DEAR DR. GOTT: I need help solving my restless legs syndrome. I have been trying numerous things and nothing is working. I have been on two different medications and I have seen a neurologist. What do I do next? I can’t handle not sleeping. I haven’t slept well in the last five days. Last night I was awake from 2 am on. I tried different positions with pillows. Nighttime medication (Tylenol PM, Advil PM, cough medicine, etc.) just makes it so much worse. Please help!
DEAR READER: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) can be one of the most frustrating conditions known to man. I have written about it several times in the past with the most recent article being found here: http://askdrgottmd.com/restless-legs-syndrome-responds-to-calcium/.
The first step is always to determine if there a resolvable underlying cause of the leg cramping, such as a vitamin or mineral deficiency. Given that you have gone so far as to see a neurologist, I assume these possibilities were already ruled out. The most common medication currently prescribed for restless legs is Requip. Others include pramipexole, gabapentin, clonazepam, benzodiazepines, levodopa/carbidopa, and cabergoline.
Before I get into home remedies for RLS, I would just like to briefly point out that both Tylenol and Advil PM contain diphenhydramine (Benadryl). The only difference lies in the pain-relieving portion. Diphenhydramine can actually worsen RLS, so I recommend you discontinue taking these aids.
Now, to home remedies. Some that my readers have found helpful include taking 550 mg of potassium daily, drinking four to eight ounces of pickle juice or eating a pickle at the onset of symptoms or prior to bed, placing a heavy blanket over the legs, or mixing one part marjoram oil with one part carrier (olive, vegetable, mineral) oil and rubbing the solution on the legs. One of the most popular, and seemingly effective remedies is soap-under-the-sheets. Simply place a bar of soap (or grated soap) under the bottom sheet of the bed near your lower legs. Some readers have even had success rubbing liquid soap directly onto the legs or placing a small piece of soap onto the calves and holding it in place with high socks if symptoms occurs while sitting, such as while watching television.
Other options include soaking in a warm bath, using warm or cool packs, taking over-the-counter pain relievers, reducing stress, avoiding caffeine, reducing alcohol and tobacco, exercising regularly, yoga, and more.
Readers who are interested in learning more can order my Health Reports “Dr. Gott’s Compelling Home Remedies” and “More Compelling Home Remedies” by sending a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and a $2 (for each report) check or money order to Dr. Peter Gott, PO Box 433, Lakeville, CT 06039. Be sure to mention the title print an order form from my website, www.AskDrGottMD.com.
