Restless leg syndrome refers to a condition in which the legs feel uncomfortable when a person is sitting or lying down. The Mayo Clinic says that symptoms of restless leg syndrome include such sensations in the leg as crawling, pulling, tugging, itching and pain. Sometimes, this may be relieved with movement. Fortunately, some drugs can decrease these symptoms.
Ropinirole
Ropinirole, commonly sold as Requip, is a medication that belongs to the category of medications known as dopamine agonists. This drug works like dopamine, a neurotransmitter, to control movement. MedlinePlus says that ropinirole also treats Parkinson's disease. Some of ropinirole's less concerning side effects include confusion, sweating, nausea, a decrease in appetite, weight loss and a headache. Some of ropinirole's serious side effects include chest pain, hallucinations, trouble swallowing and double vision. Taking cimetidine, metoclopramide, modafanil and sedatives may require a decrease in ropinirole's dose. Ropinirole is a tablet taken daily.
Levodopa and Carbidopa
Levodopa and carbidopa, commonly sold as Sinemet, Atamet or Parcopa, is a combination medication that treats restless leg syndrome. This medication also treats Parkinson's disease. Drugs.com says that levodopa is converted to dopamine while carbidopa prevents levodopa from breaking down. This medication's less concerning side effects include sneezing, muscle pain, a skin rash, drowsiness and blurry vision. Levodopa and carbidopa's serious side effects include seizures, an irregular heartbeat, hallucinations, chest pain and confusion. Suffering from asthma, a stomach or intestinal ulcer, depression, and high blood pressure may require a decrease in levodopa and carbidopa's dose. This drug is a tablet taken daily or as prescribed.
Codeine
Codeine refers to a narcotic medication that treats mild to moderate pain. This medication may relieve the uncomfortable sensations felt in restless leg syndrome. Drugs.com says that codeine's less concerning side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, blurry vision, sweating and a dry mouth. Codeine's serious side effects include agitation, hallucinations, a slow heartbeat, and difficulty urinating. Suffering from an underactive thyroid, mental illness, low blood pressure, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may require a decrease in codeine's dose. Codeine is a tablet taken daily or as needed.
