If Restless Legs Syndrome is secondary to some other medical condition (this is known as "Secondary RLS"), treating the underlying condition such as iron deficiency or peripheral neuropathy greatly relieves symptoms of RLS.
With "Primary RLS," treatment focuses on lifestyle changes and medications. Several prescription medications, most of which were developed to treat other diseases, may bring relief. These include:
- Medications for Parkinson's disease, such as pramipexole (Mirapex), pergolide (Permax), ropinirole (Requip), and a combination of carbidopa and levodopa (Sinemet)
- Opioids (narcotic medications like codeine, the combination medicine oxycodone and acetaminophen (Percocet, Roxicet), and the combination medicine hydrocodone and acetaminophen (Vicodin, Duocet)
- Muscle relaxants and sleep medications, such as clonazepam (Klonopin), eszopiclone (Lunesta), ramelteon (Rozerem), temazepam (Restoril, Razapam), zaleplon (Sonata) and zolpidem (Ambien)
- Medications for epilepsy, such as gabapentin (Neurontin)
Most of the drugs prescribed to treat RLS aren't recommended for pregnant women.
Some medications may worsen symptoms of RLS. These include antinausea drugs, calcium channel blockers (which are used to treat heart conditions) and most antidepressants.
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