Sleep Disorders: Restless Legs Syndrome Treatments

There are no cures for primary restless legs syndrome, although various treatments often can help relieve symptoms. Treatment for secondary restless legs syndrome (RLS caused by an underlying medical problem) involves treating the underlying cause.

The First Step

The first line of defense against restless legs syndrome is to avoid substances or foods that may be causing or worsening the problem. Stay away from alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine. This may partly relieve your symptoms. In addition, review all medications you are taking with your doctor to determine if any of these drugs could be causing the problem.

Any underlying medical conditions, such as anemia, diabetes, nutritional deficiencies, kidney disease, thyroid disease, varicose veins, or Parkinson's disease, should be treated. Dietary supplements to correct vitamin or mineral deficiency may be recommended. For some people, these treatments are all that is needed to relieve RLS symptoms.

You may also benefit from physical therapy and self-care treatments, such as stretching, taking hot or cold baths, whirlpool baths, applying hot or cold packs to the affected area, limb massage, or vibratory or electrical stimulation of the feet and toes before bedtime. Exercise and relaxation techniques also may be helpful.

Medications

Daily drug treatment is usually recommended only for people who have RLS symptoms at least three nights a week, or as determined by your doctor. Keep in mind that medications used to treat primary RLS do not cure the condition, but only relieve symptoms. People whose RLS symptoms occur sporadically may be prescribed medication to take only when they have symptoms.

The following medications are the most widely prescribed to treat RLS. They may be given alone or, in certain cases, in combination. Your doctor will prescribe the best treatment plan for you.

• Dopaminergic agents: These drugs, including Sinemet -- a combination of levodopa and carbidopa -- increase the level of the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain and may improve leg sensations in RLS. Side effects may include nausea, vomiting, hallucinations and involuntary movements (dyskinesias).
• Dopamine agonists: Instead of actually increasing the level of dopamine, these drugs (Permax, Parlodel, Mirapex, and Requip) act like dopamine in the brain. Side effects include daytime sleepiness.
• Benzodiazepines: Benzodiazepines, such as Restoril, Xanax and Klonopin, are sedatives. They do not so much relieve symptoms as help you sleep through the symptoms.
• Opiates: These drugs are most often used to treat pain, but they can also relieve RLS symptoms. Because opiates are very addictive, they are usually used only when other drugs don't work. Examples include Darvon and Vicodin.
• Anticonvulsants: These agents, such as Neurontin, may help relieve pain, neuropathy, and the symptoms of RLS.
• Alpha2 agonists: These agents stimulate alpha2 receptors in the brain stem. This activates nerve cells (neurons) that "turn down" the part of the nervous system that controls muscle movements and sensations. Catapres is an example.