Several types of medication are useful for treating the symptoms of restless legs syndrome or for inducing deep sleep. They include:
Because these drugs have not been compared thoroughly in studies, the best approach is to start with one and see how it works. If it’s ineffective, work with your doctor to find an alternative. In severe cases, a combination of drugs may work best.
- Anti-seizure drugs such as carbamazepine (Tegretol), gabapentin (Neurontin), and valproate. Gabapentin enacarbil (Horizant) is a newer drug that is used in restless legs syndrome treatment. It was not developed as a seizure medicine.
- Anti-parkinsonian drugs such as carbidopa/ levodopa (Sinemet), pergolide, pramipexole (Mirapex), and ropinirole (Requip XL)
- Benzodiazepines such as clonazepam (Klonopin), diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), and temazepam (Restoril)
- Opiates such as codeine, methadone, and oxycodone for severe RLS