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Suggest Treatment For Restless Leg Syndrome Despite Medication
I have near daily restless leg syndrome. It can affect my arms too. It generally happens between 4 and 6 pm. I cure it with 30mg of hydrocodone, always at about 6 pm. I cope from 4 to 6 by doing something upright. Anthony. I can also overcome it with something interesting and engaging, even if sitting. But if I get stuck at my desk, or my easy chair, or God forbid, an airplane, I am crazy miserable. I feel like i want to leap out of my skin! My question is, is the hydrocodone the cause or the cure of my RLS? I know RLS is a dopamine disorder, and opiates are all about dopamine, so i have really been wondering. Background info: I had RLS in my childhood, in my 20s, while pregnant; also, my mother, father, and sister all struggled with it throughout their lives, including childhood. I m a 48 year old white woman, overweight with HBP. I ve been on hydrocodone for 10 years, very regimented, never exceed the prescribed amount of 40 mg per day.
posted on
Thu, 21 Jan 2016
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Wed, 27 Apr 2016
Answered on
Wed, 27 Apr 2016
Last reviewed on
Hi Dear,
Welcome to HCM.
Understanding your concern. As per your query you have restless leg syndrome despite medication . Well there can be many reasons for symptoms you mention in query like nerve compression , neuropathy , DVT , muscle spasm or multiple Sclerosis , but in your case the symptoms is due to restless leg syndrome which is a neurological disorder. It is very important to find out the exact cause along with medicine. If condition doesn't get well then consult orthopedic surgeon as well as psychiatrist for proper examination As the symptoms can also by stress , depression and anxiety . Doctor may prescribe methotrexate , anti inflammatory , gabapentin long with nerve supplement and recommend physical therapy . Along with that doctor may also prescribe antiepileptic drug I would suggest you to apply warm compresses on entire leg and take muscle relaxants like orthodox MR .Avoid alcohol and caffeinated products and keep your legs in hot water tub with Epsom salt for 15 minutes. Relaxing exercises like meditation can also help alot .
Hope your concern has been resolved.
Get Well Soon.
Best Wishes,
Dr. Harry Maheshwari
Welcome to HCM.
Understanding your concern. As per your query you have restless leg syndrome despite medication . Well there can be many reasons for symptoms you mention in query like nerve compression , neuropathy , DVT , muscle spasm or multiple Sclerosis , but in your case the symptoms is due to restless leg syndrome which is a neurological disorder. It is very important to find out the exact cause along with medicine. If condition doesn't get well then consult orthopedic surgeon as well as psychiatrist for proper examination As the symptoms can also by stress , depression and anxiety . Doctor may prescribe methotrexate , anti inflammatory , gabapentin long with nerve supplement and recommend physical therapy . Along with that doctor may also prescribe antiepileptic drug I would suggest you to apply warm compresses on entire leg and take muscle relaxants like orthodox MR .Avoid alcohol and caffeinated products and keep your legs in hot water tub with Epsom salt for 15 minutes. Relaxing exercises like meditation can also help alot .
Hope your concern has been resolved.
Get Well Soon.
Best Wishes,
Dr. Harry Maheshwari
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