Good sleep routine. Throwing off your sleep pattern can make your RLS symptoms worse. Side effects include constipation, dizziness, nausea, exacerbation of sleep apnea, and the risk of addiction; however, very low doses are often effective in controlling symptoms of RLS. It is unlikely that target events such as pathological gambling or hypersexuality were mistaken for a symptom of the underlying diseases such as restless leg syndrome.' The six drugs they were referring to include pramipexole, ropinirole, cabergoline, bromocriptine, rotigotine and apomorphine. The investigators also noted that. User Reviews for Mirapex to treat Restless Legs Syndrome. Mirapex has an average rating of 7.5 out of 10 from a total of 91 ratings for the treatment of Restless Legs Syndrome. 67% of those users who reviewed Mirapex reported a positive effect, while 19% reported a negative effect. Overview; Side Effects; Dosage; Professional; Tips. In a 5-year trial of 295 patients who used Neupro, 57% discontinued treatment. In this study, 30% stopped use due to side effects and 11% stopped using the patch because of a lack of benefit. If you are concerned about a potential side effect, it is recommended that you contact your prescribing doctor immediately.
- Natural Treatment For Restless Leg Syndrome
- What Causes Restless Leg Syndrome
- Restless Leg Syndrome Treatment Side Effects Gambling Disorder
Treatment for Restless Legs Syndrome Focuses on Relieving the Symptoms
March 1, 2013
Dear Mayo Clinic:
Is restless legs syndrome hereditary? Is there an effective treatment, or does a diagnosis of RLS mean I will have it for life?
Answer:
Restless legs syndrome, or RLS, is not always hereditary. But it does run in some families, and several genetic links have been found for RLS. While restless legs syndrome is most often a chronic condition, treatment is available that often can effectively control its symptoms.
Restless legs syndrome is a condition characterized by an unpleasant or uncomfortable urge to move your legs. Some people describe it as a crawling, pulling or burning sensation in their thighs, calves or feet. The sensation is temporarily relieved when you get up and move around, especially by walking, or when you shift or stretch your legs. RLS symptoms typically begin after you have been sitting or lying down for some time. Symptoms also tend to get worse in the evenings and at night, and are less bothersome during the day.
In many cases of RLS, the cause is unknown. But RLS appears to be hereditary in about half the people who have it. Several specific gene variations have been associated with this disorder. Familial RLS symptoms often begin earlier in life — usually before age 40 — than they do in forms of the disease that are not hereditary.
In some cases, RLS may be related to another underlying medical condition. For example, some people with symptoms of RLS are found to have iron deficiency. In these situations, taking iron supplements may eliminate symptoms of restless legs syndrome.
Treatment for RLS usually focuses on relieving the symptoms. A variety of simple steps you can take at home may help. Taking a warm bath, massaging your legs, applying warm or cool packs, and trying relaxation techniques, such as yoga or meditation, can all be useful in calming RLS. Exercising at a moderate level on a regular basis and establishing good sleep habits can help, too. For some people, caffeine, alcohol and tobacco can trigger RLS symptoms or make them worse. You may want to try cutting back on these substances to see if your symptoms lessen.
If lifestyle changes are not enough, your doctor may prescribe medication to reduce leg restlessness. Medications that have been shown to be helpful for RLS include several that affect a chemical in your brain called dopamine. Dopamine's job is to send messages from your brain to your body that control muscle movement. Researchers suspect that RLS may be linked to an imbalance in dopamine.
Using drugs that stimulate dopamine receptors in the brain, such as ropinirole, pramipexole or rotigotine, can help control RLS symptoms. Side effects of dopamine medications, however, may include nausea, sedation or, rarely, certain compulsive behaviors such as shopping or gambling. Caution and long-term follow-up for the use of these mediations is necessary.
Certain medications used to treat painful nerve conditions and epilepsy, such as gabapentin, also may effectively treat RLS. Other prescription drugs, including opioid analgesics, muscle relaxants and sleep medications, are sometimes used to help combat RLS symptoms as well.
Be aware that certain medications can make RLS symptoms worse, including some antidepressants and anti-nausea drugs. Review with your doctor a list of the medications you are currently taking. Your doctor may recommend substitutes, as needed, to help manage RLS.
If restless legs syndrome disrupts your daily life or hurts your overall quality of life, consider seeking specialty care. A sleep medicine physician or a neurologist can evaluate your condition and work with you to create a treatment plan that fits your situation.
— Erik St Louis, M.D., Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.
Mild restless legs syndrome that isn't linked to an underlying health condition can be managed with just a few lifestyle changes. Restless leg syndrome drug side effects gambling addiction.
If symptoms are more severe, medication may be needed.
Restless legs syndrome caused by an underlying health condition can often be cured by treating that condition.
For example, iron deficiency anaemia can be treated by taking iron supplements.
If it's associated with pregnancy, it usually disappears on its own within 4 weeks of the birth.
Lifestyle changes
A number of lifestyle changes may be enough to ease the symptoms of restless legs syndrome.
These include:
- avoiding stimulants in the evening (such as caffeine, tobacco and alcohol)
- not smoking (read more about quitting smoking)
- regular daily exercise (but avoid exercising close to bedtime)
- good sleep habits (for example, going to bed and getting up at the same time every day, not napping during the day, taking time to relax before going to bed, and avoiding caffeine close to bedtime)
- avoiding medicines that trigger the symptoms or make them worse (if you think medication is causing your symptoms, continue to take it and make an appointment to see your GP)
During an episode of restless legs syndrome, the following measures may help relieve your symptoms:
- massaging your legs
- taking a hot bath in the evening
- applying a hot or cold compress to your leg muscles
- doing activities that distract your mind, such as reading or watching television
- relaxation exercises, such as yoga or tai chi
- walking and stretching
Medication
Dopamine agonists
Dopamine agonists may be recommended if you're experiencing frequent symptoms of restless legs syndrome.
They work by increasing dopamine levels, which are often low.
Dopamine agonists that may be recommended include:
- ropinirole
- pramipexole
- rotigotine skin patch
These medications can occasionally make you feel sleepy, so you should be cautious when driving or using tools or machinery after taking them.
Other possible side effects can include nausea, dizziness and headaches.
If you experience nausea while taking a dopamine agonist, you may be given medication to help with this (antiemitic medication).
Impulse control disorder (ICD) is a less common side effect sometimes associated with dopamine agonists.
People with ICD are unable to resist the urge to do something harmful to themselves or others.
For example, this could be an addiction to alcohol, drugs, gambling, shopping or sex (hypersexuality).
But the urges associated with ICD will subside once treatment with the dopamine agonist is stopped.
Painkillers
A mild opiate-based painkiller, such as codeine, may be prescribed to relieve pain associated with restless legs syndrome.
Gabapentin and pregabalin are also sometimes prescribed to help relieve painful symptoms of restless legs syndrome.
Side effects of these medications include dizziness, tiredness and headaches.
Aiding sleep
Natural Treatment For Restless Leg Syndrome
If restless legs syndrome is disrupting your sleep, a short-term course of medication may be recommended to help you sleep.
These types of medication are known as hypnotics, and include temazepam and loprazolam.
Hypnotics are usually only recommended for short-term use (typically no longer than a week).
You may find you still feel sleepy or 'hungover' the morning after taking your medication.
Cardiovascular diseases
Recent research found people with restless legs syndrome may be more likely to develop cardiovascular disease, such as coronary heart disease or stroke, compared with people who don't have the syndrome.
This risk is thought to be greatest in people with frequent or severe symptoms of restless legs syndrome.
The exact reason for the increased risk is unclear, but it may be that the rapid leg movements are associated with an increased heart rate and blood pressure.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/2365650/Screen_Shot_2014-10-17_at_3.42.19_PM.0.png "Restless Leg Syndrome Treatment Side Effects Gambling")
Is restless legs syndrome hereditary? Is there an effective treatment, or does a diagnosis of RLS mean I will have it for life?
Answer:
Restless legs syndrome, or RLS, is not always hereditary. But it does run in some families, and several genetic links have been found for RLS. While restless legs syndrome is most often a chronic condition, treatment is available that often can effectively control its symptoms.
Restless legs syndrome is a condition characterized by an unpleasant or uncomfortable urge to move your legs. Some people describe it as a crawling, pulling or burning sensation in their thighs, calves or feet. The sensation is temporarily relieved when you get up and move around, especially by walking, or when you shift or stretch your legs. RLS symptoms typically begin after you have been sitting or lying down for some time. Symptoms also tend to get worse in the evenings and at night, and are less bothersome during the day.
In many cases of RLS, the cause is unknown. But RLS appears to be hereditary in about half the people who have it. Several specific gene variations have been associated with this disorder. Familial RLS symptoms often begin earlier in life — usually before age 40 — than they do in forms of the disease that are not hereditary.
In some cases, RLS may be related to another underlying medical condition. For example, some people with symptoms of RLS are found to have iron deficiency. In these situations, taking iron supplements may eliminate symptoms of restless legs syndrome.
Treatment for RLS usually focuses on relieving the symptoms. A variety of simple steps you can take at home may help. Taking a warm bath, massaging your legs, applying warm or cool packs, and trying relaxation techniques, such as yoga or meditation, can all be useful in calming RLS. Exercising at a moderate level on a regular basis and establishing good sleep habits can help, too. For some people, caffeine, alcohol and tobacco can trigger RLS symptoms or make them worse. You may want to try cutting back on these substances to see if your symptoms lessen.
If lifestyle changes are not enough, your doctor may prescribe medication to reduce leg restlessness. Medications that have been shown to be helpful for RLS include several that affect a chemical in your brain called dopamine. Dopamine's job is to send messages from your brain to your body that control muscle movement. Researchers suspect that RLS may be linked to an imbalance in dopamine.
Using drugs that stimulate dopamine receptors in the brain, such as ropinirole, pramipexole or rotigotine, can help control RLS symptoms. Side effects of dopamine medications, however, may include nausea, sedation or, rarely, certain compulsive behaviors such as shopping or gambling. Caution and long-term follow-up for the use of these mediations is necessary.
Certain medications used to treat painful nerve conditions and epilepsy, such as gabapentin, also may effectively treat RLS. Other prescription drugs, including opioid analgesics, muscle relaxants and sleep medications, are sometimes used to help combat RLS symptoms as well.
Be aware that certain medications can make RLS symptoms worse, including some antidepressants and anti-nausea drugs. Review with your doctor a list of the medications you are currently taking. Your doctor may recommend substitutes, as needed, to help manage RLS.
If restless legs syndrome disrupts your daily life or hurts your overall quality of life, consider seeking specialty care. A sleep medicine physician or a neurologist can evaluate your condition and work with you to create a treatment plan that fits your situation.
— Erik St Louis, M.D., Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.
Mild restless legs syndrome that isn't linked to an underlying health condition can be managed with just a few lifestyle changes. Restless leg syndrome drug side effects gambling addiction.
If symptoms are more severe, medication may be needed.
Restless legs syndrome caused by an underlying health condition can often be cured by treating that condition.
For example, iron deficiency anaemia can be treated by taking iron supplements.
If it's associated with pregnancy, it usually disappears on its own within 4 weeks of the birth.
Lifestyle changes
A number of lifestyle changes may be enough to ease the symptoms of restless legs syndrome.
These include:
- avoiding stimulants in the evening (such as caffeine, tobacco and alcohol)
- not smoking (read more about quitting smoking)
- regular daily exercise (but avoid exercising close to bedtime)
- good sleep habits (for example, going to bed and getting up at the same time every day, not napping during the day, taking time to relax before going to bed, and avoiding caffeine close to bedtime)
- avoiding medicines that trigger the symptoms or make them worse (if you think medication is causing your symptoms, continue to take it and make an appointment to see your GP)
During an episode of restless legs syndrome, the following measures may help relieve your symptoms:
- massaging your legs
- taking a hot bath in the evening
- applying a hot or cold compress to your leg muscles
- doing activities that distract your mind, such as reading or watching television
- relaxation exercises, such as yoga or tai chi
- walking and stretching
Medication
Dopamine agonists
Dopamine agonists may be recommended if you're experiencing frequent symptoms of restless legs syndrome.
They work by increasing dopamine levels, which are often low.
Dopamine agonists that may be recommended include:
- ropinirole
- pramipexole
- rotigotine skin patch
These medications can occasionally make you feel sleepy, so you should be cautious when driving or using tools or machinery after taking them.
Other possible side effects can include nausea, dizziness and headaches.
If you experience nausea while taking a dopamine agonist, you may be given medication to help with this (antiemitic medication).
Impulse control disorder (ICD) is a less common side effect sometimes associated with dopamine agonists.
People with ICD are unable to resist the urge to do something harmful to themselves or others.
For example, this could be an addiction to alcohol, drugs, gambling, shopping or sex (hypersexuality).
But the urges associated with ICD will subside once treatment with the dopamine agonist is stopped.
Painkillers
A mild opiate-based painkiller, such as codeine, may be prescribed to relieve pain associated with restless legs syndrome.
Gabapentin and pregabalin are also sometimes prescribed to help relieve painful symptoms of restless legs syndrome.
Side effects of these medications include dizziness, tiredness and headaches.
Aiding sleep
Natural Treatment For Restless Leg Syndrome
If restless legs syndrome is disrupting your sleep, a short-term course of medication may be recommended to help you sleep.
These types of medication are known as hypnotics, and include temazepam and loprazolam.
Hypnotics are usually only recommended for short-term use (typically no longer than a week).
You may find you still feel sleepy or 'hungover' the morning after taking your medication.
Cardiovascular diseases
Recent research found people with restless legs syndrome may be more likely to develop cardiovascular disease, such as coronary heart disease or stroke, compared with people who don't have the syndrome.
This risk is thought to be greatest in people with frequent or severe symptoms of restless legs syndrome.
The exact reason for the increased risk is unclear, but it may be that the rapid leg movements are associated with an increased heart rate and blood pressure.
What Causes Restless Leg Syndrome
Sleep problems have also been linked to cardiovascular disease.
To reduce this risk, you should exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, give up smoking if you smoke, and eat a healthy, balanced diet.
Read more about preventing cardiovascular disease.
Restless Leg Syndrome Treatment Side Effects Gambling Disorder
Page last reviewed: 6 August 2018
Next review due: 6 August 2021
