Medications for restless leg syndrome depend and vary on the occurrence of the symptoms. There are different medications available to treat restless leg syndrome and it is important to follow the doctor’s advice.
The symptoms of this restless leg syndrome vary from mild, moderate and severe. That is why the medications is reliant on the kind of symptoms a patient is experiencing. If you are just experiencing mild symptoms, painkiller like ibuprofen can relieve the sensation. However, for moderate to severe symptoms different drugs and medications are given.
Dopamine agonists are given to a patient to alleviate the symptoms. This medication is useful to treat Parkinson’s disease however, people with restless leg syndrome is not likely to develop Parkinsonism. According to studies, patient with RLS have low dopamine level in their brain that is why they are given dopamine agonists to increase the level of dopamine. However, most of the dopamine agonists effects only for a short time and needs to be taken at least three times daily. In addition, these medications for restless leg syndrome cause side effects like light headaches, vomiting, nausea, fatigue, indigestion and confusion.
The occurrence of symptoms may appear early in the morning or rebound phenomenon and during evening or daytime also known as augmentation. Giving another type of dopamine agonist called cabergoline is helpful as it is given once a day. However, a more severe side effect is experienced such as damage to heart valves as well as inflammation and thickening of the pericardium, pleura and peritoneum.
On the other hand, some evidences show that the symptoms of RLS may be related to the increase activity of the nervous system. In this case, another type of medications for restless leg syndrome is given to the patient. The medications for epilepsy inhibit the hyperactivity of the nervous system thus when given to the patient the symptoms of RLS is reduced.
In severe cases where the symptoms are intolerable, patients are given strong painkillers such as narcotics that may also lead to drug addiction. Some patients are given benzodiazepines used as muscle relaxants that aid the patient to sleep. However, this cannot control the unpleasant sensation caused by RLS. Medications for restless leg syndrome should be taken only under specialist’s guidance to avoid other complications of the illness.