Medication for Restless Legs Syndrome

Just like all the natural possible solutions that are available for this sleep disorder, all the medical solutions are subject to each individual. It may be a case of trial and error to discover which medication is best for you; persevere with them and you should discover the right treatment for you. The medication effectiveness will differ from person to person and it’s time period. It is also important that you consult a doctor as to what medication you should take, even if it is available freely from a chemist.

The following medications are available:


Dopamine Agonists for Restless Legs Syndrome

This is the most common form of medication used for treating Restless Legs Syndrome. Dopamine Agonists are also used to treat Parkinson’s disease. This medication increases Dopamine levels, which is a neurotransmitter that regulates the movement of muscles. A low amount of this is thought to cause RLS. The result of this medication is also thought to be long acting. It does have some side-effects in the form of nausea, confusion and dizziness but is generally thought to be a positive drug to help RLS sufferers.

Strong Pain Killers (narcotics) for Restless Legs Syndrome

Narcotics are often used when the condition is severe and dopamine agonists are not working.

Sedatives (Benzodiazepines) for Restless Legs Syndrome

Sedatives such as benzodiazepines, ease the sufferer to sleep if sleep is difficult due to the sensations caused by RLS. However, they can cause drowsiness during the day and are not recommended for people with other sleeping disorders such as Sleep Apnoea.

Epilepsy Medicines (Gabapentin, Carbamazepine) for Restless Legs Syndrome

Drugs such as Gabapentin and Carbamazepine are only considered when dopamine agonists are seen to fail in treatment and only then used if the disorder affects you both day and night and is consistently painful.

Overall, there are many different treatments for Restless Legs Syndrome and methods of easing of the sleep disorder and it may require patience to find the right treatment for you. However, with time, the right medication and dosage can be found and hopefully you will begin to enjoy your night’s sleep and begin to feel refreshed during the day.

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