Opioids for restless legs syndrome
Examples
Generic Name Brand Name codeine Phenaphen with codeine, Tylenol with codeine hydrocodone Anexsia, Lorcet, Tylox, Vicodin 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 medications 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.
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| Author: | Kathe Gallagher, MSW Cynthia Tank | Last Updated: April 4, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Wayne A. Hening, MD - Neurology Karin M. Lindholm, DO - Neurology | |
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| Topic Contents | |
| Examples | |
| How It Works | |
| Why It Is Used | |
| How Well It Works | |
| Side Effects | |
| What To Think About | |