• What is RLS?
• What are the causes of RLS?
• RLS Treatment
• Do you have RLS?
• Research

What kind of treatment is available for RLS?

Unfortunately, there is no known cure for Restless Legs Syndrome. At the present time, there is no one drug which works for everybody, but most individuals with Restless Legs Syndrome will find some benefit and relief with the currently available medications.

The medications presently available for treating this disorder can be divided into several categories.

• Dopamine-Related Medications
  Dopamine is a chemical produced by certain cells in the brain and this group of drugs function to alter activity in these cells. The dopamine-related drugs include carbidopa/levodopa (Sinemet), pergolide (Permax), pramipexole (Mirapex) and ropinirole (Requip). These drugs are also used for Parkinson's Disease. However, there is no indication that Restless Legs Syndrome is related to, or is a precursor of, Parkinson's Disease. These medications are likely to be effective in reducing symptoms in 99% of patients with Restless Legs Syndrome. Paradoxical worsening of symptoms may occur with these medications after extended use.
  
  
• Opiates
  This group includes hydrocodone, oxycodone, codeine, morphine, methadone, propoxyphene, and pentazocine. It is estimated that 60-65% of patients with Restless Legs Syndrome will respond very well to opiates and many of them will continue to have good symptomatic relief for many years to come. It is important to realize that RLS for a majority of patients is not about pain; it is an abnormal, uncomfortable sensation. Tolerance to the opiates when treating RLS seems to be less of a problem than that seen with treatment of chronic pain disorders.
  
  
• Benzodiazepines
  This group of drugs is also known as sleeping pills and has valium-like effects. Clonazepam was the treatment of choice for Restless Legs Syndrome for many years. It is most effective in those with mild symptoms. There is no indication that any one of the benzodiazepines is more effective, and therefore intermediate-acting benzodiazepines (e.g., temazepam) may be just as helpful as the long-acting benzodiazepines like clonazepam but with less daytime sedation.
  
  
• Anticonvulsants
  The anticonvulsants or seizure medications may have a value in treating this condition. Gabapentin (Neurontin) which is used primarily to treat seizures, may be of specific value in patients who have underlying nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy) associated with the Restless Legs Syndrome. Gabapentin is also used to treat patients with pain from nerve damage, even in those without RLS. Therefore, the benefits seen in Restless Legs Syndrome associated with peripheral neuropathy may be related to reducing the pain, which may trigger or intensify the Restless Legs Syndrome.

There are some non-drug related treatments that most patients suffering with this disorder already appreciate. Hot baths, massaging and rubbing the legs, applying hot or cold packs, restricting the amount of caffeine or alcohol and partaking in moderate physical exercise will all bring about some level of relief from the symptoms. But in the end, many of these will not permit the patient to have a good night of sleep.