Dying To Know

Your legs are shaking back and forth, you can’t stop it. Don’t worry, now there are medications for restless leg syndrome (RLS), but it will be better to first familiarize yourself with the symptoms and characteristic descriptions associated with RLS. This way, yo u can find the best treatment for you. Consulting a specialist is helpful but it will also serve you to acquaint yourself with the nature of RLS so as to better understand the drug treatments.

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder associated with unpleasant sensations in the legs and an uncontrollable urge to move them whether lying or sitting down. RLS sensations are described by RLS patients as a burning feeling, creeping, tugging, or “like insects crawling inside the legs” and they begin to feel better when they shake their legs back and forth. These sensations vary in severity from uncomfortable to irritating to painful. The most distinctive aspect of this condition happens especially when a patient is lying down or trying to relax. This is why most people with RLS find it difficult to get regular sleep.

According to clinical studies, patients complain about the significant consequences of RLS when it is left untreated. This is because it eventually becomes associated with the feeling of exhaustion and daytime fatigue. Some report that suffering from RLS disables them to the point that they cannot function well at school or at work. They feel exhausted all the time and tend to develop an impaired sense of memory that leads to a poor level of concentration. They also tend to develop poor personal relations. In addition to this, researchers estimate that there are over 12 million Americans who suffer from RLS symptoms. There are others who estimate an even higher
occurrence because RLS is thought to be commonly misdiagnosed.

Another problem with estimating the incidence of RLS is that there are many people who are scared and hesitant to seek medical attention. They tend to think that their case is too mild and will not be taken seriously. This is a common mistake. RLS is very common but will not always go away without seeking help. Being unaware of the treatments may eventually cause the worsening of the condition which may lead to complications such as insomnia, nervousness, stress, muscle cramps or arthritis.

Considering the medical point of view, the FDA takes part in the regulation of drugs for those who suffer from RLS. They provide for the safety of sufferers and assure that the drugs they approve will not hurt the user if taken properly. On May 5, 2005, the FDA approved Ropinirole as the first drug treatment for RLS. In 2006, the FDA also approved Pramipexole. Four other major classes of drugs were clinically proven to be helpful in treating RLS symptoms and include the Dopaminergic agents, sedatives, anticonvulsants and pain relievers. One must consult a physician prior to usage of these drugs as there are other things your doctor might want to consider while trying to help you with your treatment.

When dealing with RLS, don’t forget to take into consideration your own personal solution to the problem. Many people find that a little exercise or yoga works just fine for them and these possibilities should not be discounted. A self-help approach is sometimes the best means to a cure. Doctors often suggest that patients be responsible in checking their own state of health and seek some simple solutions first. A simple change in your lifestyle such as eliminating coffee, cigarettes or alcohol can all be a great help. With these simple changes, you may find the need for RLS drugs disappears and you may soon be back on the road to a well balanced and healthy life.