Medications Used for Restless Leg Syndrome

RLS, or restless leg syndrome, is essentially a condition that is considered both a nervous system disorder and a sleeping disorder. It is characterized by an almost overwhelming sensation of a prickly or tingling phenomenon in the legs that can only be lessened by movement, hence the name of the syndrome. Since it is most troublesome when your legs are at rest, it has a tendency to affect your sleep pattern. As time goes by, it may begin to permeate into other areas of your life, making it difficult to move, relax or even think -- due more so to sleep deprivation than the syndrome itself. If you suffer from restless leg syndrome, your doctor will most likely prescribe medication to treat the disorder, though there other suggestions he will make to lessen the severity of the problem, including the elimination of common stimulants and depressants (caffeine, nicotine and alcohol), exercise, meditation, relaxation and other therapeutic techniques.

Dopaminergic Drugs

• According to the National Sleep Foundation, dopaminergic drugs like levodopa, pramipexole, ropinirole and carbidopa, are probably the most common form of medicinal treatment for restless leg syndrome. Basically, what this type of medication will do is regulate the dopamine levels in the brain. This augmentation can lessen the tingling sensations connected to RLS.

Anticonvulsant Medications

• The use of anticonvulsants to treat restless leg syndrome isn't as predominant as other medications, since it is still debatable if they work as well as dopaminergic drugs. Essentially, anticonvulsants reduce the activity of the neurons in the central nervous system and can treat peripheral disorders to the nerves, which is where RLS would fall. This would then relieve the uncomfortable sensations in the legs and help people with RLS rest and move.

Gabapentin

• Another medication that has come into use for restless leg syndrome is gabapentin, which is an alpha-2 agonist which ultimately alters the way in which the neurons interact and communicate with the muscles of the legs. This modification will lessen the sensations felt in the legs and allow a person to function at a higher level.

Benzodiazepines

• Another common medicinal treatment of restless leg syndrome is through the use of benzodiazepines, or "benzos" as they are often called. This type of drug works on the central nervous system to essentially alter the brain through sedation. It doesn't necessarily treat RLS, but lets those people suffering from the syndrome get some sleep. The only real problem with this course of treatment is that the drug can be habit forming as it often will elicit an almost euphoric feeling.

Opioids

• This sort of medication is usually reserved as a last resort, since opiates are extremely addictive. While they are predominantly seen and used as pain relievers, opiates like vicodin or darvon actually lessen the symptoms of restless leg syndrome. And much like other medications, they will allow a person with RLS to function normally. But since restless leg syndrome is an ongoing condition, the need for medication will be prolonged, making opioids a dangerous option.