Opioids for restless legs syndrome

Examples

Generic Name	Brand Name
acetaminophen and codeine	Tylenol with codeine
acetaminophen and hydrocodone	Anexsia, Lorcet, Vicodin,
aspirin and oxycodone	Percodan
propoxyphene	Darvon
tramadol	Ultram

How It Works

Opioids are narcotics and are usually used to relieve pain. It is not known how these medicines relieve symptoms of restless legs syndrome.

Why It Is Used

Opioids are usually used for restless legs syndrome only when other drugs have not relieved symptoms. A doctor will usually prescribe only a small amount initially to see whether it helps.

How Well It Works

Low doses of opioids are sometimes used on an as-needed basis to treat symptoms that appear irregularly.

Side Effects

Dizziness, sedation, nausea, vomiting, and constipation are the major side effects of opioids. Addiction or a tolerance can develop.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

What To Think About

More study is needed to discover the full range of side effects. Opioids have not yet been reviewed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration specifically for treatment of restless legs syndrome.

Complete the new medication information form (PDF) (What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.

Author:	Monica Rhodes	Last Updated: March 13, 2009
Medical Review:	Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Karin M. Lindholm, DO - Neurology
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