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Can Pramipexole Be Taken For Leg Cramps At Night?

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Posted on Thu, 14 Jan 2016
Question: Will Pramipexole help with my nightly leg cramps?
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Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (25 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
increases levels of dopamine, if have a mixture of RLS and leg cramps-help

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

Pramipexole is normally used for persons with parkinsons or restless leg syndrome. It may not help if you purely have leg cramps only and there are no symptoms of restless leg.

This medication acts to increase the levels of a chemical called dopamine. In restless leg syndrome, the action of this chemical is thought to be low. This is one of the mechanisms of action, the exact mechanism is not completely clear.

Leg cramps alone are not thought to be related to low action of dopamine . It may be due to abnormal nerve function in the area, muscle fatigue and possibly a side effect of medication.
In some the cause is not known.

Some persons have a mix of restless leg syndrome (have abnormal sensations , and involuntary movements of legs, no pain) and leg cramps (painful usually).
In this case, the pramipexole would help.

But if there is no element of restless leg syndrome then it may not help

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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Can Pramipexole Be Taken For Leg Cramps At Night?

Brief Answer: increases levels of dopamine, if have a mixture of RLS and leg cramps-help Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic Pramipexole is normally used for persons with parkinsons or restless leg syndrome. It may not help if you purely have leg cramps only and there are no symptoms of restless leg. This medication acts to increase the levels of a chemical called dopamine. In restless leg syndrome, the action of this chemical is thought to be low. This is one of the mechanisms of action, the exact mechanism is not completely clear. Leg cramps alone are not thought to be related to low action of dopamine . It may be due to abnormal nerve function in the area, muscle fatigue and possibly a side effect of medication. In some the cause is not known. Some persons have a mix of restless leg syndrome (have abnormal sensations , and involuntary movements of legs, no pain) and leg cramps (painful usually). In this case, the pramipexole would help. But if there is no element of restless leg syndrome then it may not help I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions