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01-06-2009, 01:58 AM
First of all, restless leg syndrome is a recognized neurological disorder. Some people think that its just your nerves (anxiety) but it is a true clinical disorder. It is typically described as unpleasant sensations in the legs and an uncontrollable urge to move when at rest in an effort to relieve these feelings. They can range from uncomfortable to irritating to painful, depending on your severity.In some cases, it is found in people with diabetes or neuropathy, smoking and alcohol abuse, but in as many as 50% of cases, there is no known cause.Treatment includes a few options. There is research going on to help people who suffer from RLS.Often, treating the associated medical condition, such as peripheral neuropathy or diabetes, will alleviate many symptoms.Decrease your intake of caffiene, cigarettes, or alcohol (if that applys to you.)There are a few medications that can be used. The only FDA approved drug that is approved to treat RLS is Requip. But your doctor may want to try other medications that have been shown to help. Medications such as benzodiazepines (central nervous system depressants), opioids, and anticonvulsants. Dopaminergic agents, largely used to treat Parkinson's disease, have been shown to reduce RLS symptoms. Good short-term results of treatment with levodopa plus carbidopa have been reported, although most patients eventually will develop augmentation, meaning that symptoms are reduced at night but begin to develop earlier in the day than usual. Benzodiazepines (such as clonazepam and diazepam) may be prescribed for patients who have mild or intermittent symptoms. Unfortunately, no one drug is effective for everyone with RLS.
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