Restless leg syndrome refers to a condition in which the legs become uncomfortable when lying down or sitting, the Mayo Clinic says. Symptoms of restless leg syndrome include a cramping, pulling, tingling, painful and burning sensation in the legs. The clinic states that these symptoms can develop in the thighs, calves, arms or feet. Typically, these symptoms get worse at night and are relieved with movement. Fortunately, a few medications can manage symptoms of restless leg syndrome.
Ropinirole
Ropinirole is a dopamine agonist medication that works to stop the restless leg movements. Specifically, it works like dopamine in the brain to reduce these movements.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) says that some of ropinirole's common side effects include nausea, gas, heartburn, confusion, sweating, anxiety, difficulty concentrating and weight loss. Ropinirole can also lead to a headache, fatigue, back or joint pain. Inform a doctor if ropinirole's common effects remain for more than six to seven days.
Ropinirole's serious side effects include chest pain, hallucinations, double vision, a fast or slow heartbeat and trouble swallowing. Call a doctor at once if ropinirole causes these effects.
Carbidopa and Levodopa
Carbidopa and levodopa, typically used to manage Parkinson's disease, can also be used to manage restless leg syndrome.
Drugs.com says that carbidopa and levodopa's mild side effects include nausea, a headache, dizziness, trouble sleeping, a skin rash and drowsiness. This combination drug can also lead to muscle pain or numbness, heartburn and constipation. Call a physician if carbidopa and levodopa's common effects remain for more than five days.
This drug's serious side effects include chest pain, seizures, confusion, vomiting, nausea and hallucinations. Carbidopa and levodopa's other serious side effects include agitation, anxiety, painful urination and stiff muscles. Notify a doctor immediately if carbidopa and levodopa's serious side effects develop.
Gabapentin
Gabapentin may also be used to manage restless leg syndrome. The NIH says that gabapentin actually relieves the body of pain.
Some of gabapentin's common effects include nausea, vomiting, heartburn, ear pain and dizziness. This drug can also lead to memory problems, weight gain, a cough, sneezing and strange thoughts. It is important to tell a physician if gabapentin's common effects remain for more than five to seven days.
Other gabapentin side effects include trouble breathing or swallowing, seizures, a rash and swelling of the tongue, face or throat. Go to the emergency room if gabapentin causes any of these effects.
