Get Informed: Restless Leg Syndrome
1 in 80 people have Restless Leg Syndrome
iGuard is currently monitoring more than 25,014 patients with Restless Leg Syndrome from around the United States as shown on the heat map below. These figures suggest that roughly 3.75 million Americans have Restless Leg Syndrome with women being 4 times more likely to be affected than men.
< 21
21-39
40-59
60+
Age (Years)
iGuard is currently monitoring more than 25,014 patients with Restless Leg Syndrome.
Medications used for Restless Leg Syndrome
Drugs commonly taken by iGuard users for Restless Leg Syndrome are listed below, together with the percentage of patients that take each drug.
|
Commonly Used Medication Name* (Hover mouse over name to see medication class) |
% of Patients | Average Risk Rating | Has Generic Available |
|---|---|---|---|
| Requip | 24% |
|
Yes |
| Mirapex | 16% |
|
No |
| Klonopin | 13% |
|
Yes |
| Neurontin | 13% |
|
Yes |
| Tylenol | 9% |
|
Yes |
| Lyrica | 6% |
|
No |
| Amitriptyline | 5% |
|
Yes |
Less than 5%: Flexeril, Sinemet, Restoril, Ativan, Vicodin, Zanaflex
*This list is NOT EXHAUSTIVE - Only drugs used by a sufficiently large number of iGuard users are listed.
**Medications are sometimes known by different brand/generic names, depending upon how they are packaged or used.
Global Patient Feedback for Restless Leg Syndrome ( Post a comment )
Question/Comment:
I was diagnosed with RLS about 20 years ago, but realize I have had it all my life. Before I was diagnosed, I was having problems with my arms sometimes, too, but now that almost never happens. I have taken Sinemet, Klonopin, Neurontin, Carbadopa/ Levodopa, Mirapex, and Requip - plus Hydrocodone, Lunesta, etc (most of the meds mentioned above) - and I urge those who are avoiding Requip (ropinerole) or any of the others because of fear of side effects to see if their doctors will give them a sample dose to see what works for them. Obviously, the results vary from patient to patient; I've never had side effects from Requip, Mirapex, or Neurontin (gabapentin). Incidentally, I was taking 4 mg ropinerole every 4 waking hours when it began to be ineffective; I added half a tablet for a total of 6 mg and not only got relief, was often able to last 5 or 6 hours before needing another dose. I told my doctor, and he approved - so much for the 4 mg maximum! I still have a problem sometimes with sitting quietly for half an hour or more at a concert or church or a class, depending on where in my 4-6 hour cycle I am, but I can live with that.
82 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-03-12 12:16:15
Question/Comment:
I have been on Klonopin for several years for RLS. I was surprised most people take it for depression, which I also have. I take wellbutrine for that. The klonopin works great. But I have been having moderate pain in my calfs for which the dr put me on neurontin 600 mg at night. He said it was due to the klonopin not being strong enough. I've been taking this for 4 years now . It's not helping. Any suggestions?
60 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-01-29 08:10:41
iGuard Answer/Reply:
If you are not experiencing side effects from Neurontin, you can ask your doctor to increase the dose of your Neurontin to see if that helps. Requip and Mirapex are other FDA approved medications for RLS. You may want to discuss these options with your doctor.
If your calf pain is due to muscle cramps, you may not be drinking enough water or getting enough potassium in your diet. You can ask your doctor to check your potassium level of your blood. You can try drinking more water and add bananas to your diet - however, ask your doctor if these suggestions are appropriate for you.
Posted: 2010-02-07 21:24:36
Question/Comment:
I have been on Mirapex for over 5yrs now with only a short month break to try ropinerole. I could not rest and finally went back to my doctor who put my back on my Mirapex and now my restless legs are quietied back down and I can sleep unless I have had a day of unusual walking in my classroom on a concrete floor. I take only 1mg of Mirapex at night and feel just fine with no side effects for me.
44 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-01-24 22:41:34
Question/Comment:
I have used 75mg Lyrica for four years for my restless leg syndrome, which is severe without medication, but which is well-controlled with Lyrica. Both of my parents had restless leg syndrome. Before using Lyrica, I was using tramadol, until itching as a side-effect became unbearable.
69 year old Male – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-11-22 05:27:26
Question/Comment:
I have used Requip (Ropinarol) and Gabapentin for several years with fairly good results, so long as I remember to take on schedule (morning, noon and night). If I fall behind, I have big difficulties getting any rest in the evening. Although RLS is supposed to affect one most at night when relaxing, mine, for some reason, subsides when I go to bed. Although I am taking pretty much maximum dosage, they work well for me. Apparenly RLS is hereditary. My mother, I and my daughter all suffer from it.
75 year old Male – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-09-15 14:16:13
Answer/Reply:
What are the dosages on the ropinirole. I was told I should not take more than 4 1/2 mg per day and that is just not enough. Some nights I walk the floor crying. My legs have also started bothering me more during the day than ever before.
67 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2009-09-25 15:22:49
iGuard Answer/Reply:
The maximum dose of ropinirole studied for restless leg syndrome is 4mg per day. If your current dose is not helping, please make an appointment with your physician to discuss what other treatment options are available - perhaps a different medication or additional medication can help control your symptoms.
Posted: 2009-09-28 15:43:42
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Patient Comments about
Restless Leg Syndrome