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The main medicines used to treat restless leg syndrome are dopamine agonists, dopaminergic agents, benzodiazepines and anticonvulsants. Doctors also prescribe opiates and alpha2 agonists for restless leg syndrome. Some drugs and medications to treat restless leg syndrome are as follows.
Drugs And Medications To Treat Restless Leg Syndrome
Levodopa
Levodopa is used to treat restless leg syndrome. The medicine is given to patients who have occasional symptoms. The medicine should not be taken daily as it can worsen the symptoms. Take the medicine only when you have the symptoms.
You can take the medicine in tablet form or as liquid. The medicine can cause sudden sleepiness so the patient must take care while driving and using machinery. Some other medicines are given along with levodopa so that the patient does not have nausea.
Ropinirole
Ropinirole is a dopamine agonist that is used to treat restless leg syndrome. The medicine has a function similar to the neurotransmitter dopamine. Take the medicine according to the doctor’s prescription. If you want to prevent nausea, you should take the medicine with food.
You can also take the medicine without food. The medicine can cause side effects like sleepiness, fever, lightheadedness, stiffness of muscles, breathing problem and dizziness. Some patients can have nausea, hallucinations, confusion, headache, fast heartbeat and tremors.
Xanax
Xanax is used to treat restless leg syndrome. This medicine is a Benzodiazepines drug, which helps in slowing unbalanced brain chemicals and decreasing anxiety. Take the medicine orally by swallowing it without chewing and crushing it. Stop the medicine if it causes seizures and withdrawal symptoms. Avoid taking alcohol along with this medicine.
The medicine can affect thinking and reactions, so take care while driving and doing activities that need alertness. The medicine can cause side effects like depression, suicidal thoughts, confusion, less urination, chest pain, jaundice, fast heartbeat, tremors, seizures, agitation and hallucinations.
Vicodin
Vicodin is used to treat restless leg syndrome. The medicine is a combination of two painkillers acetaminophen and hydrocodone. Vicodine helps in decreasing pain. Take the medicine according to the doctor’s prescription. Avoid taking overdose of the medicine.
When you are taking this medicine, you should drink 8 glasses of water every day as it helps in preventing constipation. The medicine can cause some side effects like slow heartbeat, nausea, itching, lightheadedness, confusion, bruising, bleeding, jaundice, unusual behavior, loss of appetite and seizures.
Neurontin
Neurontin is an anticonvulsant medicine used to treat restless leg syndrome. Take the medicine with food or without it. Do not keep the broken medicine for a long time and use it as early as possible. Avoid stopping the medicine suddenly as it can cause seizures.
Do not take any type of antacid two hours before and two hours after you take neurontin. The medicine can cause some side effects like fever, body aches, seizures, bruising, bleeding, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, flu, skin rashes, jaundice, tingling, numbness, confusion, weight gain and cough.