Shaking, or tremor, isn't always a cause for worry. Sometimes it's a temporary response to something that's stressing you out, or there's no obvious…. Restless leg syndrome RLS can cause unpleasant sensations in the legs and an intense urge to move them. Learn why this happens and how to manage it. Researchers say these cells may become overactive in people with this condition.
A sleep specialist answers the most common questions about RLS and treatments. Is crossing your legs really as dangerous as some myths claim? Learn the facts about the effects of crossing your legs on blood pressure, varicose…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medications for Restless Legs Syndrome.
Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, Pharm. Explanation Medications for RLS Takeaway Introduction Restless legs syndrome causes sensations in your legs that can be uncomfortable or painful. How do medications treat restless legs syndrome? What are medications to treat restless legs syndrome? Your doctor will take your medical history and ask for a description of your symptoms.
Your doctor may conduct a physical and a neurological exam. Blood tests, particularly for iron deficiency, may be ordered to rule out other possible causes for your symptoms. In addition, your doctor may refer you to a sleep specialist. This may involve an overnight stay at a sleep clinic, where doctors can study your sleep if another sleep disorder such as sleep apnea is suspected.
However, a diagnosis of RLS usually doesn't require a sleep study. Our caring team of Mayo Clinic experts can help you with your restless legs syndrome-related health concerns Start Here. Sometimes, treating an underlying condition, such as iron deficiency, greatly relieves symptoms of RLS. Correcting an iron deficiency may involve receiving iron supplementation orally or intravenously. However, take iron supplements only with medical supervision and after your doctor has checked your blood-iron level.
If you have RLS without an associated condition, treatment focuses on lifestyle changes. If those aren't effective, your doctor might prescribe medications. Several prescription medications, most of which were developed to treat other diseases, are available to reduce the restlessness in your legs. These include:.
Medications that increase dopamine in the brain. These medications affect levels of the chemical messenger dopamine in your brain.
Short-term side effects of these medications are usually mild and include nausea, lightheadedness and fatigue. However, they can also cause impulse control disorders, such as compulsive gambling, and daytime sleepiness. It may take several trials for you and your doctor to find the right medication or combination of medications that work best for you. Sometimes dopamine medications that have worked for a while to relieve your RLS become ineffective, or you notice your symptoms returning earlier in the day or involving your arms.
They also may occur when someone is inactive and sitting for extended periods for example, when taking a trip by plane or watching a movie. Since symptoms can increase in severity during the night, it could become difficult to fall asleep or return to sleep after waking up. Moving the legs or walking typically relieves the discomfort but the sensations often recur once the movement stops. RLS is classified as a sleep disorder since the symptoms are triggered by resting and attempting to sleep, and as a movement disorder, since people are forced to move their legs in order to relieve symptoms.
It is, however, best characterized as a neurological sensory disorder with symptoms that are produced from within the brain itself. RLS is one of several disorders that can cause exhaustion and daytime sleepiness, which can strongly affect mood, concentration, job and school performance, and personal relationships.
Many people with RLS report they are often unable to concentrate, have impaired memory, or fail to accomplish daily tasks. Untreated moderate to severe RLS can lead to about a 20 percent decrease in work productivity and can contribute to depression and anxiety. It also can make traveling difficult. It is estimated that up to percent of the U. RLS occurs in both men and women, although women are more likely to have it than men. It may begin at any age. Many individuals who are severely affected are middle-aged or older, and the symptoms typically become more frequent and last longer with age.
PLMS is characterized by involuntary leg and sometimes arm twitching or jerking movements during sleep that typically occur every 15 to 40 seconds, sometimes throughout the night. Fortunately, most cases of RLS can be treated with non-drug therapies and if necessary, medications. People with RLS feel the irresistible urge to move, which is accompanied by uncomfortable sensations in their lower limbs that are unlike normal sensations experienced by people without the disorder. The sensations in their legs are often difficult to define but may be described as aching throbbing, pulling, itching, crawling, or creeping.
These sensations less commonly affect the arms, and rarely the chest or head. Although the sensations can occur on just one side of the body, they most often affect both sides. They can also alternate between sides. The sensations range in severity from uncomfortable to irritating to painful. Because moving the legs or other affected parts of the body relieves the discomfort, people with RLS often keep their legs in motion to minimize or prevent the sensations.
They may pace the floor, constantly move their legs while sitting, and toss and turn in bed. A classic feature of RLS is that the symptoms are worse at night with a distinct symptom-free period in the early morning, allowing for more refreshing sleep at that time.
Some people with RLS have difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep. They may also note a worsening of symptoms if their sleep is further reduced by events or activity.
RLS symptoms may vary from day to day, in severity and frequency, and from person to person. In moderately severe cases, symptoms occur only once or twice a week but often result in significant delay of sleep onset, with some disruption of daytime function. Advance online publication. Neurochemical features of idiopathic restless legs syndrome. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 45, 70— Srivanitchapoom, P. Restless legs syndrome and pregnancy: a review. Sagheb, M.
Efficacy of vitamins C, E, and their combination for treatment of restless legs syndrome in hemodialysis patients: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Sleep Medicine, 13 5 , — Eating with RLS. Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation Blog.
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