Remedies: Detail

Drugs and remedies for the relief of Ekbom Syndrome (Restless Legs)

It is not helpful to list all the remedies reported to the Ekbom Support Group. Not only would the list be enormous but the selection of remedies to try becomes impossible. Consequently only the most commonly reported remedies are listed.

Most remedies suggested by members are reported in the half-yearly newsletter.

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT NO TREATMENT IS COMMENCED WITHOUT FIRST CONSULTING YOUR DOCTOR.

Available on prescription only:-

Amitriptyline, Cabaser (Cabergoline, Dostinex), Carbamazepine (Tegretol), Diazepam, Madopar, Neurontin (Gabapentin), Paraven, Pergolide (Permax, Celance), Pramipexole (Miropexin), Rivotril (Clonazepam), Ropinirole (Requip), Sinemet (Carbidopa/LevoDopa) Adartrel and Mirapex

Benzodiazepines: These are used for milder cases of restless legs or periodic limb movement and include Clonazepam mentioned above.

L-Dopa: This includes Sinemet and Madopar used for Parkinson’s Disease. This does NOT imply any relationship whatsoever between Restless Legs and Parkinson’s Disease.

Opiates: Codeine and Propoxyphene may be useful for people with severe symptoms which fail to respond to the other remedies.

Available over the counter at most chemists:-

Deep Freeze Gel (Mentholatum), Limb-ease. Some pain relieving sprays such as Ralgex.

Health Shop Remedies:-

Chelated Magnesium. Dolomite. Rutin Plus. Glucosamine.

Vitamins etc:-

Vitamin B Complex Super. Vitamin B12. Vitamin E. Folic Acid.

Alternative Medicine:-

Acupuncture. Acupressure. Aromatherapy. Biofeedback. Niagra Therapy.

Life Style:-

Reduce stress. Wear light clothing. Use natural materials for clothes and bedding.

Ensure that you are on the cool side of comfortable (all over, not just feet and legs).

Tips for the Treatment of Restless Legs Syndrome

· Know the particulars of the syndrome. There is no treatment that will eliminate the problem entirely.

· See your doctor to determine whether or not prescription drugs or medical conditions are causing your discomfort and impairing your sleep.

· Decrease then eliminate your intake of caffeine.

· Massage, stretch and cool the legs in water to help decrease the symptoms.

· Consult your doctor if depression (a common consequence of RLS) is a problem for you.

Should you ask for a referral to a Sleep Clinic?

Ask yourself the following:

· How often do you get less sleep than you think is adequate?

· Are you sleepier than everyone around you?

· Do you worry whether you will be alert enough to deal with a scheduled event?

· Have you been concerned enough to mention your sleep problem to a doctor?

· Do you use alcohol or other drugs to help induce sleep?

A ‘yes’ answer to any of the questions indicates a problem of some significance. If good sleep hygiene, together with a consultation with your physician, does not correct the problem, then a visit to a sleep clinic may be advisable.

Our Sleep Clinics Page with contact details of Sleep Clinics

[Excerpts from "Sleep: Problems and Solutions" by Quentin Regestein MD, David Richie and the Editors of Consumer report Books 1990.]

Facts on Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD)

· A sleep lab study is the only way to diagnose conclusively this condition. (See also our sleep clinic page)

· Decreasing and then eliminating caffeine intake can make a difference in some cases.

· Because PLMD is frequently associated with certain diseases (renal failure etc) and can occur after the use of a particular drug, ask your doctor about these possibilities.

Consultant Neurologists (to Ekbom Support Group):

Professor K.Ray.Chaudhuri, at University College Hospital, Lewisham, S.E.13 9LH.

Professor Andrew Lees, University College Hospital, London.

Dr. O Bandmann, Consultant Neurology, Department of Neurology, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Glossop Road, Sheffield. S10 2JF.

Dr. Irshaad Ebrahim. London Sleep Centre. 137, Harley Street, London. W1G 68F.

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