Is there a non narcotic available to treat restless leg syndrome?

Question

I have suffered from RLS for about a year and its driving me crazy! In the past, the only treatment was narcotics...I think weighing the options I'll take the RLS. Thank you for any information :)

Answer 1

Treatment
An algorithm for treating RLS was created by leading RLS researchers at the Mayo Clinic and is endorsed by the Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation. This document provides guidance to both the treating physician and the patient, and includes both nonpharmacological and pharmacological treatments.

Treatment for RLS is based on how disruptive the symptoms are. All people should review their lifestyle and see what changes could be made to reduce or eliminate their RLS symptoms. These include: finding the right level of exercise (too much worsens it, too little may trigger it); eliminating caffeine, smoking, and alcohol; changing the diet to eliminate foods that trigger RLS (different for each person, but may include eliminating sugar, triglycerides, gluten, sugar substitutes, following a low-fat diet, etc.); keeping good sleep hygiene; treating conditions that may cause secondary RLS; avoiding or stopping OTC or prescription drugs that trigger RLS; adding supplements such as magnesium, B-12, folate, vitamin E, and calcium. Some of these changes, such as diet and adding supplements are based on anecdotal evidence from RLS sufferers, as few studies have been done on these alternatives.

All people with RLS should have their ferritin levels tested; ferritin levels should be at least 50 mcg for those with RLS. Oral iron supplements, taken under a doctor's care, can increase ferritin levels. For some people, increasing ferritin will eliminate or reduce RLS symptoms. At least 40% of people will not notice any improvement, however. IV iron is being tested at the US Mayo Clinic as a method of treating RLS. It is dangerous to take iron supplements without first having ferritin levels tested, as many people with RLS do not have low ferritin and excess iron in the body can cause hemochromatosis, a very dangerous condition.

For those who experience RLS infrequently and do not need or want to try medication, in addition to lifestyle changes they can try:

some form of exercise for several minutes such as walking, stretching, yoga, etc. at bedtime
heat or cold, such as a hot or cold bath, a heating pad, or a fan
engrossing the mind into a game, the computer, or figuring something out
wearing compression stockings, tight pantyhose, or wrapping the legs in ace bandages
For those whose RLS disrupts or prevents sleep or regular daily activities, medication is often required. Doctors currently use, and the Mayo Clinic Algorithm includes, medication from four categories:

Dopamine agonists such as ropinirole, pramipexole, carbidopa/levodopa or pergolide
Opioids such as propoxyphene, oxycodone, or methadone
Benzodiazepines, which often assist in staying asleep and reducing awakenings from the movements
Anticonvulsants, which often help people who experience the RLS sensations as painful, such as gabapentin
There is also strong anecdotal evidence that medical marijuana alleviates RLS, although studies are lacking because of governmental restrictions.

In 2005, The Food and Drug Administration approved ropinirole to treat moderate to severe Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS). The drug was first approved for Parkinson's disease in 1997. In February 2006, the EU Scientific Committee issued a positive recommendation for approving pramipexole (Sifrol, Mirapexen in the EU) for the treatment of RLS in the EU. US FDA approval is expected sometime in 2006. Another dopamine agonist, rotigitine delivered via a transdermal patch, is currently in process for US FDA and EU approval for RLS.

Dopamine agonists may cause augmentation. This is a medical condition where the drug itself causes symptoms to increase in severity and/or occur earlier in the day. Dopamine agonists may also cause rebound, when symptoms increase as the drug wears off.

Some people have reported partial or even complete relief with taking a supplemental magnesium salt such as magnesium oxide or magnesium gluconate once or twice a day, backing off on the dose if diarrhea develops. However anyone with renal problems should stay away from magnesium supplements.

Answer 2

Yes, there is a promising new mineral supplement being used to improve (sometimes cure) restless leg syndrome, It is made by the same people I am getting my supplement that has cured my depression, cleared my acne and helped me lose weight. I had depression for 5 years but this supplement worked within days! The supplements are inexpensive, easy to take and have no negative side effects.

email me for more info, Id love to help!

Answer 3

people with rls should be checked for an underlying disorder...any diseases that could affect the neuro part of the body.

diseases come to mind for me are the ones i have suffered with...

hepatitis c

i have also noticed when my fiance drinks he has a higher chance in having RLS. (infact, without fail)

so i would not see how a narcotic would work all that well, not only that, but potentially addicting.

cut down on the caffiene and no alcohol.

get tested for diseases that pass the blood brain barrier.

good luck.

Answer 4

Just something I read a little while ago. Might be crazy but it said to put a bar of soap underneath your sheet near your legs! Won't hurt to try. Good luck.

Answer 5

I take neurontin and it works for about 95% of the time. I have read and read on this, and im going to see about going to a sleep clinic, it has been said that it is possible to have sleep apnea and not even know it, and the rls is a symptom of it. I hate it, so if you find some great cure, please lemme know too!

Answer 6

I use Tiger Balm. It is a topical joint and muscle pain reliever(OTC) and is available at Walmart.

I use it at night when my legs are bugging me, and it works long enough for me to fall asleep at least.

It's worth trying at least without taking meds.

Answer 7

Hyland's brand "homeopathic" for Leg Cramps with Quinine.
It really works.
It is "Over the counter"
It is made by P&S laborarories.

Answer 8

The newest medication is Requip. It's can be used for Parkinsons and RLS.

http://health.yahoo.com/drug/d04215a1