Paracetamol: Although there is not a lot of research looking at the role of paracetamol in treating RLS, it is something people often try, and many find helpful. Long-term use of low dose (e.g. 500-1000mg a night) paracetamol has been though to be safe, but recent research suggest that paracetamol may blunt emotions.
A mild opiate-based painkiller, such as codeine, may be prescribed to relieve pain associated with restless legs syndrome. Gabapentin and pregabalin are also sometimes prescribed to help relieve painful symptoms of restless legs syndrome.
Over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be helpful in somepeople with RLS. The medications most commonly prescribed for restless legs syndrome are dopaminergic agents and gabapentin.
The cause of RLS is still unknown. Some cases are believed to be inherited. Some cases have been linked with nerve damage in the legs from diabetes, kidney problems, iron deficiency, certain medicines, pregnancy, sleep disorders, and alcoholism.
In Australia, only ropinirole and pramipexole have RLS as a listed treatment indication, and pramipexole now has a restricted PBS listing. However, the other dopamine precursors and agonists have been utilised for many years for RLS. The diagnosis of the RLS is clinical.
Opioids have been used to treat restless legs syndrome (RLS) for hundreds of years. More recently, 2 randomized controlled trials have demonstrated the efficacy of this class of medications for RLS.
While effective for treating symptoms of depression and anxiety, patients who take serotonergic antidepressants, such as SSRIs or SNRIs, are at increased risk for new-onset or worsening RLS.
Paracetamol: Although there is not a lot of research looking at the role of paracetamol in treating RLS, it is something people often try, and many find helpful. Long-term use of low dose (e.g. 500-1000mg a night) paracetamol has been though to be safe, but recent research suggest that paracetamol may blunt emotions.
Magnesium supplementation is often suggested for restless legs syndrome (RLS) or period limb movement disorder (PLMD) based on anecdotal evidence that it relieves symptoms and because it is also commonly recommended for leg cramps.
It is a condition where leg muscles contract and jerk every 20 to 40 seconds during sleep. These movements may last less than 1 second, or as long as 10 seconds.
drinking more water. Dehydration may cause the urge to move the legs, so some people find drinking a glass of water stops the urges for a short while. soaking your feet in hot water just prior to going to sleep. wearing compression stockings or tights in bed.
Tips for increasing your potassium include: Eating more fruits, like bananas, can help restless legs syndrome. Eating more vegetables, like leafy greens, can help restless legs syndrome
There are two kinds of RLS:
Secondary – caused by another medication or condition. RLS is frequently a symptom of opiate withdrawal. Some people describe insomnia-provoking RLS as the most unbearable of the opiate withdrawal symptoms.
Restless legs syndrome typically causes an overwhelming urge to move your legs and an uncomfortable sensation in your legs. The sensation may also affect your arms, chest and face, too. It has been described as: tingling, burning, itching or throbbing.
Current Knowledge/Study Rationale: Most evidence to date suggests that brain dopaminergic dysfunction plays a key role in the development of restless legs syndrome (RLS), and vitamin D is essential for the function of the dopaminergic system.
Gabapentinoids — Pregabalin, gabapentin, and gabapentin enacarbil are all appropriate first-line therapies for chronic persistent RLS in many patients [7,49,50].
There's no single test for diagnosing restless legs syndrome. A diagnosis will be based on your symptoms, medical history and family history, a physical examination, and test results. Your GP should be able to diagnose restless legs syndrome, but they may refer you to a neurologist if there's any uncertainty.
There are no cures for primary restless legs syndrome, or RLS, although various treatments often can help relieve symptoms. Treatment for secondary restless legs syndrome (RLS caused by another medical problem) involves treating the underlying cause.
Sleeping Position
Along with a new mattress, how you sleep is essential to alleviating RLS symptoms. For instance, sleeping on your back is ideal because it evenly distributes your body weight and lets your back muscles relax.
Stretches for RLS
Slightly bend your right knee and step your left leg back a foot or two, positioning its heel and foot flat on the floor. Hold for 20 to 30 seconds. Now bend your left knee while still keeping its heel and foot flat on the floor. For a deeper stretch, move your foot back a bit farther.
If you have RLS, you should also see a doctor if you are: Losing sleep often. Feeling depressed or anxious. Having trouble concentrating.
Restless legs syndrome is not life threatening, but severe cases can disrupt sleep (causing insomnia) and trigger anxiety and depression. The charity Restless Leg Syndrome UK (RLS-UK) provides information and support for people affected by restless legs syndrome.