Medication For Restless Leg Syndrome

Medication for restless leg syndrome is piecemeal in it effects and therefore, prevention is the idea for people with mild to moderate symptoms, and many doctors recommend changes in lifestyle and activities to reduce or eliminate symptoms. Reducing caffeine alcohol and tobacco intake can improve the condition.

Doctors may recommend supplements to correct iron, folate and magnesium deficiencies. Others have found that regular exercise for restless leg syndrome (link) helps them sleep better.

In 2005, a medication known as ropinirole became the only one approved by the U. S. Food and Drug Administration to treat moderate to severe RLS.

Benzodiazepines (e.g. clonazepam and diazepam) may be used for patients with mild or periodic symptoms. These drugs can promote a good night's sleep, but they don't eliminate RLS symptoms and can cause drowsiness during the day.

In more severe cases, pain-killers like codeine or oxycodone may be helpful because they help the body relax and reduce pain.

Anti-convulsants like carbamazepine and gabapentin are sometimes useful to reduce creeping and crawling sensations.