Known as Ekbom's syndrome, Restless Legs Syndrome, or RLS, causes a range of sensations, from "creepy crawlies" in the legs to aching or pulling sensations in the lower extremities. The only relief from the abnormal sensation comes with movement of the feet and legs. Usually affecting individuals at bedtime, or when resting, John Hopkins Center reports that 5 percent of the population, including children, have RLS. Various anti-seizure drugs can relieve RLS symptoms.
Gabapentin
The John Hopkins Center notes that the anti-seizure medication gabapentin, or Neurontin, may help RLS. Commonly used for peripheral neuropathy, or nerve damage, it appears to be affective for this condition. Common side effects of the drug may include drowsiness, weakness, blurred vision and GI upset.
Carbamazepine
Carbamazepine, or Tegretol, is an anticonvulsant drug that may be used for the treatment of RLS, notes the University of Washington. Carbamazepine helps reduce the unpleasant sensation associated with RLS. Common side effects may include GI upset, dizziness, ringing in the ears, blurred vision, leg cramps and joint pain.
XP13512
The journal "Neurology" reports that a study administering the drug XP13512 to 222 test participants suffering from RLS, concluded that taken once daily, XP13512 is effective in treating RLS. The study claimed that over 79 percent of those receiving the drug over the control group receiving a placebo achieved relief from the symptoms of RLS. The drug is an anticonvulsant similar to gabapentin. As of 2010, the pharmaceutical manufacturer XenoPort Inc., has licensed GlaxoSmithKline to market the drug.
References
- Johns Hopkins Medicine: Restless Legs Syndrome
- RxList: Neurontin
- RxList: Tegretol
- University of Washington: Restless Legs Syndrome
- "Neurology"; Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of XP13512/GSK1838262 in patients with RLS; C. A. Kushida, M.D., Ph.D., et al.; 2009
- XenoPort, Inc.: XP13512
