What Drugs Are Used to Treat Restless Leg Syndrome?

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By Nichole Weathers
eHow Contributing Writer

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Restless leg syndrome is a condition that makes a person feel the urge to move his legs due to uncomfortable sensations, particularly at night. There are many treatment options available for this condition.

Significance

Because people have different types of disturbances and severities, there are multiple treatment options available.

FDA-Approved Drugs

The first dopamine antagonist drug that the FDA approved to treat restless leg syndrome was Requip, which originally was a drug for people with Parkinson's disease. The FDA has since released Mirapex and Neupro.

Mild to Moderate Symptoms

For people who only have mild to moderate restless leg syndrome, a popular treatment option is the benzodiazepine drug class (brand names include Ativan, Klonopin and Xanax).

Severe Symptoms

In more severe cases, opioids including oxycodone, propoxyphene and codeine may be used to help relieve the symptoms.

Painful Symptoms

For those who suffer with crawling-type sensations or actual pain, anticonvulsants decrease sensory disturbances.

Considerations

Though medications can help the symptoms of restless leg syndrome, a healthy lifestyle and supplements such as iron, magnesium and folate may prevent the onset as well.