Restless leg syndrome is a medical problem in which discomfort occurs when sitting or lying down, according to the Mayo Clinic. Symptoms include sensations of crawling, tingling, electric, aching or gnawing in the feet,calves, thighs and even arms. Fortunately, there are medications to treat restless leg syndrome.
Ropinirole
Ropinirole, commonly sold as Requip or Repreve, is a medication used specifically to treat restless leg syndrome. However, Drugs.com indicates that Ropinirole also treats the muscle stiffness, tremors and muscle spasms of Parkinson's disease. This drug works like dopamine, a brain chemical, to control movement. It is a tablet taken daily or as prescribed.
Ropinirole's milder side effects include poor appetite, vomiting, nausea, trouble sleeping, agitation and anxiety. This medication also can cause sweating, dry mouth, headache and drowsiness. Call a physician when ropinirole's less serious effects remain for more than seven days.
Ropinirole's serious side effects include muscle stiffness, fever, tremors, chest tightness and trouble breathing. This medication can also lead to hallucinations and a fast or irregular heartbeat. Go to an emergency room if these effects develop.
A change in ropinirole's dose is necessary for patients with conditions such as liver or kidney disease, high or low blood pressure, and heart disease.
Pramipexole
Pramipexole, commonly sold as Mirapex, can also treat restless leg syndrome. Like ropinirole, pramipexole also acts like dopamine to reduce movement. Pramipexole is a tablet taken once each day or as directed.
Drugs.com lists pramipexole's less serious side effects as including blurry vision, joint pain, headache, weakness and confusion. This medication can also lead to trouble sleeping, abnormal dreams, stomach problems and weight loss. Inform a doctor if pramipexole causes these side effects.
Serious side effects include hallucinations, drowsiness, sweating, lightheadedness, confusion and fainting. Notify a physician immediately if pramipexole leads to these symptoms.
Taking this medication while suffering from narcolepsy (a sleep disorder), kidney disease or tremors can worsen these conditions.
Levodopa and Carbidopa
Levodopa and carbidopa, commonly sold as Sinemet, can also manage restless leg syndrome. MedlinePlus says that levodopa acts as a central nervous system agent, while carbidopa acts as a decarboxylase inhibitor. Levodopa alters dopamine within the brain, and carbidopa prevents levodopa from breaking down prior to reaching the brain. This medication is available as a regular, extended-release and orally disintegrating tablet taken daily or as indicated.
This drug's less serious side effects include confusion, forgetfulness, dizziness, nausea and headache. This medication can also lead to constipation, nightmares, drowsiness and excessive sweating. In some instances, levodopa and carbidopa can lead to a poor appetite and confusion. Notify a physician if these milder side effects remain for more than five days.
Serious side effects include black stools, bloody vomit, trouble swallowing or breathing, hallucinations, depression and swelling of the face, tongue, lips or throat. Call 911 if any of these side effects develop.
A change in levodopa and carbidopa's dose may be necessary when taking such medications as protryptiline, clomipramine, doxepin and imipramine.
