I have been suffering from restless leg syndrome. It usually comes on when I sleep and it is a real problem.
I have been trying magnesium supplements and all kinds of herbs (valerian, skullcap, kava) and it is still a problem.
Does anyone know what causes it and more importantly, how to stop it?
I don’t know the cause, but I take clonazepam (Klonopin®/Rivotril®) for anxiety, and when I read the monographs, they always mention that this drug is used for RLS.
Just go a Google on restless leg syndrome and clonazepam.
Good luck!
Is this what you mean?
There’s a lot on the web on this condition. This looks like a good place to start.
This was a question on our licensing exam. Caffeine apparently can make RLS worse. Some advocate the use of stretching before going to bed. I have seen some of the same drugs used for Parkinson’s disease also used to treat RLS (including controversial remedies like vitamin E) but many doctors prescribe (and get mixed results) from clonazepam and quinine sulphate.
One time, I was given some Phenergan for nausea, and later on in bed, I really started to boogie! My girlfriend finally got out of bed because she couldn’t sleep with what she called “a dancing idiot.”
So Phenergan does it to me.
Quasi
Mr.Zambezi, welcome back. Where ya been hiding all this time?
When I was hospitalized for morning sickness (severely dehydrated) when I was pregnant with WV_Toddler, I had horrible restless leg syndrome.
After an IV of potassium, though, it went away. Try eating a banana.
I need more potassium, too, because I get these horrible, sudden cramps in my feet when I sleep. The only thing I can do when I get one is to get out of bed and walk around until whatever it is “uncramps.” This does not make for a good night’s sleep. And I suspect I have mild RLS as well. I should try taking clonazepam before bed. I’m allowed three 0.5 mg tabs a day, and usually take one or two in the morning, so I could take the third about an hour before bed.
I take neurontin and it is also mentioned as a commmon treatment for RLS with few side effects. You probably want to see a good psychiatrist. They have all the experience with the drugs that can truly help you. No, you don’t have to be “loony” to see a psychiatrist. They treat CNS disorders like RLS as well.
Restoril (temazepam) works fairly well, too. For non-medicated relief, try wearing something warm and snug on your legs when you go to bed – something like the leggings that were popular a few years back, or legs cut off a pair of long johns.
I get my best relief for RLS (other than just walking) from heat. A hot bath can help, as can an electic blanket or bed warmer turned on high before you go to bed (remember to turn it off or down when you get in lest you awake about half-baked).
As others have indicated, there’s a wealth of information available on the internet. Unfortunately, a lot of doctors don’t have any idea what RLS is. They confuse it with cramps, twitches, and a variety of other conditions. So don’t necessarily believe everything you read.
My mother suffered with this for years. She takes potassium, and a calcium supplement w/vitamin D. Works like a charm.
Thanks for the answers folks. I have looked around on the web and as usual, there are many different theories. I have ben taken tons of vitamins, especially Calcium and magnesium and B complex. My wife just heard that Quinine is a good one to try. I am going to do that tonight.
I can’t do heat. But I guess I will have to try more potassium, Vit. D, Less Caffeine and then going to the Psych. if those don’t work.
Sailor I have had a change of spirit after an experience. I don’t have TV, don’t read the paper and don’t argue. Therefore, Great Debates has no use for me 
I still check out this board once in a while, but it is addicting and I have to get some work done!
I don’t know about this, but sometimes, when I’m laying down and trying to sleep, no matter WHAT position I place myself in, my lower legs always feel-“uncomfortable.” Like alien appendages. I’ve tried pillows, relaxing, thinking about something else, but they always feel like they’re in the way or something. Not quite achy, but awkward.
Wait, so is it psychological or physiological?