why does tylenol with codeine make restless leg syndrome subside?
December 28th, 2008 | by The Doc |
jezuzgirl asked:
I had some of this Tylenol 3 left over from a dentist prescription and took it out of desperation, and It took away the symptoms of my RLS. Are there any over the counter medications or remedies that will help my symptoms?
I had some of this Tylenol 3 left over from a dentist prescription and took it out of desperation, and It took away the symptoms of my RLS. Are there any over the counter medications or remedies that will help my symptoms?
7 Responses to “why does tylenol with codeine make restless leg syndrome subside?”
By Yangie J on Dec 30, 2008 | Reply
My guess on the codeine would be that its a muscle relaxer, and since the legs are jumping because of erratic impulses sent to the leg muscles, the codeine suppresses that for a while. My dad had back surgery and shoulder surgery a couple of years ago, and they gave him the same thing, explaining that when the body heals, the muscles naturally spasm, which unfortunately causes damage to the very muscles needing to heal. The codeine keeps this from happening by keeping the muscles relaxed until they have a chance to mend.
By bonzaibb on Jan 1, 2009 | Reply
RLS is one of those new disorders that is more mental than physical.
Big Pharma would rather people believe its a legitimate physical problem so they can hook people on more meds through commercials.
Codeine will calm your mind which may be the cause of your symptoms.
I suffered from sever RLS for 1 year and lack of exercise and depression was the cause. I am off all meds go to the park or lake 2-3 times a week , no longer sit in an office chair without stretching often and I avoid stressful situations that are within my control.
Try to think about when you started having symptoms and what physical and emotional factors changed in your life .
By Psychogirlfrog on Jan 1, 2009 | Reply
Hey there,
You probably don’t even need this information but I just wanted to chime in. Just be careful when dealing with your RLS and if it lasts more than a couple of days go and see a Dr.
I hurt my back about 5 years ago. I spent several months on opiates. When I came off of it, I had restless leg sydrome so awful that I could not even sleep for 5 days. Opiates cause RLS when you stop taking them. (After you have taken them for awhile)
So, I think the answer is yes but don’t do it long term because it will make it worse.
By daeve930 on Jan 3, 2009 | Reply
The codeine probably makes you relax since it has some sedative effects for many people. When I’m extremely tired, and my legs hurt, move around, constantly cramp up, I take a Xanax and it’s all fine again in a few minutes. I would think any kind of sedative or tranquilizer will help. I don’t know about OTC, but your pharmacist may be able to help you.
By viewsaskew on Jan 20, 2009 | Reply
Opioids have been noted as helping RLS for centuries. We still don’t know why. Dopamine helps, too. Interestingly, both of these are involved in the placebo response and RLS has a high rate of placebo response. RLS also shows a great response to mental attending – so keeping busy can help it go away. It comes with rest or inactivity. But, that is what we do when we try to sleep! Hence the problem.
But it is NOT mental! It is a real disorder. Genes have been isolated; that research is ongoing. Brains are being studied, autopsies have shown that the brain isn’t working right in some areas, etc.
Nothing OTC is known to consistently help RLS across patients. Some get help from calcium, magnesium, and other supplements, but only iron has a real impact. It doesn’t help everyone, but ferritin levels are part of the problem for some people. Research shows that iron is not being utilized correctly in the brain. So, get tested for anemia and your ferritin level. If it’s below 50 (ferritin), take iron supplements as suggested by the RLS researchers.
Other non-pharma ways to help: exercise moderately but regularly, cut out caffeine and alcohol, review all medications you take as many (including OTCs) worsen RLS.
Best thing to do? Learn more. Read the book that Dr Buchfurer co-wrote with Kushida and Hening. Join the RLS Foundation for quarterly newsletters and excellent materials you can take for when you need surgery and more, etc. A you can hopefully tell by my post, there isn’t an easy answer, so knowing a bit more about it will help you figure out what you can do.
By Hailey on Jan 30, 2009 | Reply
Hey Mr. Bonza. RLS is no “mental” disorder. Nor is it new.
I personally have had RLS since I was at least 16 years old and I am 48 now.
I have had RLS through periods of working out in my younger years and being very fit, to my life now where I do spend alot of time sitting at my job.
Im glad exercising worked for you, but if you only had it for one year it probably wasnt RLS to begin with.
By Kahuna girl on Jul 20, 2009 | Reply
It is NOT mental. I started having RLS when I was pregnant with my first baby. As soon as there was pressure on my kidney my legs would twitch. Sitting at the movies was a killer for me. Antihistamines make it worse. After a long hard day, as soon as I lie down one or both start. Sometimes it is even in my upper middle back and into my arms. There is no way to sleep or at the very least, rest. I have to get up. I cannot live without requip. and a oodiene. I too have found by mistake that Codiene helps the requip. I even take Iron pills which still do not work but I am still trying.I suggest going through all meds on line and find out what can worsen RLS. I did some research several years ago and found that RLS had something to do with the Adrenal Glands and that people on Kidney Dialysis have RLS and people on certain anti-depressants have the urge to walk for miles because their legs won’t let them stop.
I would encourasge you to continue to research this issue.