Comments on: what can be done to relieve Restless Leg Syndrome?

By: luckylindy0

luckylindy0 — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 04:51:24 +0000

I also have episodes of restless leg syn. Depending on how often you are bothered by it will the DR. put you on meds. I don’t have it often enough but when it occurs I have to get up and walk just a few seconds to relive it. the feeling is just as you described, horrible. If you’re losing a lot of sleep DR. should be able to do something for you, good luck.

By: kinndee@verizon.net

kinndee@verizon.net — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 00:59:21 +0000

First of all, restless leg syndrome is a recognized neurological disorder. Some people think that its just your nerves (anxiety) but it is a true clinical disorder. It is typically described as unpleasant sensations in the legs and an uncontrollable urge to move when at rest in an effort to relieve these feelings. They can range from uncomfortable to irritating to painful, depending on your severity.
In some cases, it is found in people with diabetes or neuropathy, smoking and alcohol abuse, but in as many as 50% of cases, there is no known cause.
Treatment includes a few options. There is research going on to help people who suffer from RLS.
Often, treating the associated medical condition, such as peripheral neuropathy or diabetes, will alleviate many symptoms.
Decrease your intake of caffiene, cigarettes, or alcohol (if that applys to you.)
There are a few medications that can be used. The only FDA approved drug that is approved to treat RLS is Requip. But your doctor may want to try other medications that have been shown to help. Medications such as benzodiazepines (central nervous system depressants), opioids, and anticonvulsants. Dopaminergic agents, largely used to treat Parkinson’s disease, have been shown to reduce RLS symptoms. Good short-term results of treatment with levodopa plus carbidopa have been reported, although most patients eventually will develop augmentation, meaning that symptoms are reduced at night but begin to develop earlier in the day than usual. Benzodiazepines (such as clonazepam and diazepam) may be prescribed for patients who have mild or intermittent symptoms. Unfortunately, no one drug is effective for everyone with RLS.

By: Pedro123

Pedro123 — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 02:47:40 +0000

I believe acupuncture might be helpful. Needles should be placed into the belly of the calf muscle.
This is anecdotal only.

By: jennifersuem

jennifersuem — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 15:38:05 +0000

There are many medications you can take. Requip, Tegritol, Neurontin etc.

Talk with your doctor. You might want to get into a specialist.

By: Susan S

Susan S — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 19:10:46 +0000

See your doctor. There is a prescription drug now that is specifically for RLS.

By: claire

claire — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 16:08:21 +0000

I believe a magnesium supplement can actually help.