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What Drugs Are Used to Treat Restless Leg Syndrome?

Restless leg syndrome is a condition that makes a person feel the urge to move his legs due to uncomfortable sensations, particularly at night. There are many treatment options available for this condition.

  1. Significance

    • Because people have different types of disturbances and severities, there are multiple treatment options available.

    FDA-Approved Drugs

    • The first dopamine antagonist drug that the FDA approved to treat restless leg syndrome was Requip, which originally was a drug for people with Parkinson's disease. The FDA has since released Mirapex and Neupro.

    Mild to Moderate Symptoms

    • For people who only have mild to moderate restless leg syndrome, a popular treatment option is the benzodiazepine drug class (brand names include Ativan, Klonopin and Xanax).

    Severe Symptoms

    • In more severe cases, opioids including oxycodone, propoxyphene and codeine may be used to help relieve the symptoms.

    Painful Symptoms

    • For those who suffer with crawling-type sensations or actual pain, anticonvulsants decrease sensory disturbances.

    Considerations

    • Though medications can help the symptoms of restless leg syndrome, a healthy lifestyle and supplements such as iron, magnesium and folate may prevent the onset as well.

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