Restless Legs Syndrome Treatment
How is restless legs syndrome treated?
Movement brings a temporary relief to the RLS suffers, but it does not solve the underlying problem. RLS can be controlled by finding any possible disorder that can contribute to the development of symptoms. The treatment for people with primary RLS (genetic or unknown cause) is directed toward relieving symptoms.
Things that can alleviate the symptoms include:
- Decreased use of caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco.
- Supplements to correct deficiencies in iron, folate, and magnesium.
- Maintaining a regular sleep pattern.
- Regular moderate exercise.
- Avoidance of excessive exercise, which may aggravate RLS symptoms.
- Taking a hot bath.
- Massaging the legs.
- Using a heating pad or ice.
Physicians may suggest a number of medications such as:
- Benzodiazepines (clonazepam and diazepam),
- Opioids (codeine, propoxyphene, or oxycodone),
- Anticonvulsants (carbamazepine or gabapentin),
- Dopamine agonists (pergolide mesylate, pramipexole, or ropinirole hydrochloride),