Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation (Tax ID #). Donations are tax-deductible as permissible by law. Permission is granted for individuals to use the content of this web site for personal reasons, including obtaining information to help deal with the symptoms of RLS. RLS is treated with drugs similar to Parkinson's drugs - drugs that function as dopamine agonists. It is known that a rare side effect of Parkinson's drugs is compulsive gambling.

  1. Restless Leg Syndrome Medication Gambling Lawsuit
  2. Restless Leg Medication
  3. Repeneral Medication Restless Leg Syndrom
  4. Restless Legs Medication Side Effects Gambling
Children's Sleep Problems Can Lead To School Problems:It is obvious that young children who have difficulties sleeping are likely to have problems in school. A new study shows that African-American children and children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds fare worse than their counterparts when…

Parkinson's Drugs May Lead to Compulsive Gambling, Shopping, and Sex An analysis of 10 years of FDA data offers compelling evidence that common Parkinson’s drugs, which are also used to treat. Medications were changed due to the possibility of pramipexole contributing to gambling behavior. Pramipexole is commonly used as treatment for restless legs syndrome (1); however, there probably needs to be heightened awareness of potential adverse effects, such as pathological gambling and other compulsive behaviors. Dopaminergic agents are commonly used and effective treatments for restless legs syndrome (RLS), a disabling sensorimotor disorder. Less known are some of the potentially disabling side effects of these treatments, particularly iatrogenic gambling addiction, as is described here.

href='http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/restless_legs/restless_legs.htm'>RestlessLegs Syndrome has been more in the public eye lately. I understand this is because of aggressive direct-to-consumeradvertising. I'm not much of a consumer, so I haven't seenthe ads, but people tell me about…
I get a lot of random questions from friends and relatives. It is an occupational hazard. This one just came down the grapevine:Do you know how sometimes when you're lying in bed, starting to fall asleep and all of a sudden it feels like you're falling?What does that mean?What you are talking…
A 58-year-old man from Cumbria has had electrodes implanted his brain in order to treat his compulsive gambling.Raymond Mandale (right), who suffers from Parkinson's, claims that his gambling habit was caused by a prescribed drug he had been taking to alleviate the symptoms of his condition, and…

Mild restless legs syndrome that isn't linked to an underlying health condition can be managed with just a few lifestyle changes.

If symptoms are more severe, medication may be needed.

Restless legs syndrome caused by an underlying health condition can often be cured by treating that condition.

For example, iron deficiency anaemia can be treated by taking iron supplements.

If it's associated with pregnancy, it usually disappears on its own within 4 weeks of the birth.

Lifestyle changes

A number of lifestyle changes may be enough to ease the symptoms of restless legs syndrome.

These include:

  • avoiding stimulants in the evening (such as caffeine, tobacco and alcohol)
  • not smoking (read more about quitting smoking)
  • regular daily exercise (but avoid exercising close to bedtime)
  • good sleep habits (for example, going to bed and getting up at the same time every day, not napping during the day, taking time to relax before going to bed, and avoiding caffeine close to bedtime)
  • avoiding medicines that trigger the symptoms or make them worse (if you think medication is causing your symptoms, continue to take it and make an appointment to see your GP)

During an episode of restless legs syndrome, the following measures may help relieve your symptoms:

  • massaging your legs
  • taking a hot bath in the evening
  • applying a hot or cold compress to your leg muscles
  • doing activities that distract your mind, such as reading or watching television
  • relaxation exercises, such as yoga or tai chi
  • walking and stretching

Medication

Gambling

Dopamine agonists

Dopamine agonists may be recommended if you're experiencing frequent symptoms of restless legs syndrome.

They work by increasing dopamine levels, which are often low.

Dopamine agonists that may be recommended include:

  • ropinirole
  • pramipexole
  • rotigotine skin patch

These medications can occasionally make you feel sleepy, so you should be cautious when driving or using tools or machinery after taking them.

Other possible side effects can include nausea, dizziness and headaches.

If you experience nausea while taking a dopamine agonist, you may be given medication to help with this (antiemitic medication).

Impulse control disorder (ICD) is a less common side effect sometimes associated with dopamine agonists.

People with ICD are unable to resist the urge to do something harmful to themselves or others.

For example, this could be an addiction to alcohol, drugs, gambling, shopping or sex (hypersexuality).

But the urges associated with ICD will subside once treatment with the dopamine agonist is stopped.

Painkillers

A mild opiate-based painkiller, such as codeine, may be prescribed to relieve pain associated with restless legs syndrome.

Gabapentin and pregabalin are also sometimes prescribed to help relieve painful symptoms of restless legs syndrome.

Side effects of these medications include dizziness, tiredness and headaches.

Aiding sleep

If restless legs syndrome is disrupting your sleep, a short-term course of medication may be recommended to help you sleep.

These types of medication are known as hypnotics, and include temazepam and loprazolam.

Medication

Hypnotics are usually only recommended for short-term use (typically no longer than a week).

You may find you still feel sleepy or 'hungover' the morning after taking your medication.

Cardiovascular diseases

Recent research found people with restless legs syndrome may be more likely to develop cardiovascular disease, such as coronary heart disease or stroke, compared with people who don't have the syndrome.

Restless Leg Syndrome Medication Gambling Lawsuit

This risk is thought to be greatest in people with frequent or severe symptoms of restless legs syndrome.

The exact reason for the increased risk is unclear, but it may be that the rapid leg movements are associated with an increased heart rate and blood pressure.

Sleep problems have also been linked to cardiovascular disease.

To reduce this risk, you should exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, give up smoking if you smoke, and eat a healthy, balanced diet.

Restless Leg Medication

Read more about preventing cardiovascular disease.

Repeneral Medication Restless Leg Syndrom

Causes of restless legs

Restless Legs Medication Side Effects Gambling

Page last reviewed: 6 August 2018
Next review due: 6 August 2021