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Suggest Medication For Restless Leg Syndrome
Question: My body jumps as I try to fall asleep? I have been diagnosed with restless leg syndrome. I do not get the urge to move my legs. I do not get funny feelings in my legs. The jumpiness is my only symptom.
Brief Answer:
Hypnagogic jerks more likely than RLS
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Judging from your description I am not so sure that what you have is restless legs syndrome (RLS). It seems more a case of hypnagogic jerks. They are very common, most of us experience them at one time or the other but are often unaware as they happen as we are falling asleep. Usually they are benign and do not warrant any treatment.
When so frequent that an intervention is needed then the first step is to check lifestyle in order for some potentially beneficial changes. Such changes are similar to those advised for restless legs, so perhaps you have already advised about them. Changes include avoiding coffee or other stimulants before sleep, alcohol, warm bath before sleep, a relaxed sleep environment, no TV in bedroom, no exercise in the evening. Natural supplements like calcium and magnesium may also be of help.
If not enough and medication is considered Clonazepam was a good first choice. Melatonin, a natural sleep hormone may also be beneficial. Other alternatives would include antiepileptics like valproic acid.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Hypnagogic jerks more likely than RLS
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Judging from your description I am not so sure that what you have is restless legs syndrome (RLS). It seems more a case of hypnagogic jerks. They are very common, most of us experience them at one time or the other but are often unaware as they happen as we are falling asleep. Usually they are benign and do not warrant any treatment.
When so frequent that an intervention is needed then the first step is to check lifestyle in order for some potentially beneficial changes. Such changes are similar to those advised for restless legs, so perhaps you have already advised about them. Changes include avoiding coffee or other stimulants before sleep, alcohol, warm bath before sleep, a relaxed sleep environment, no TV in bedroom, no exercise in the evening. Natural supplements like calcium and magnesium may also be of help.
If not enough and medication is considered Clonazepam was a good first choice. Melatonin, a natural sleep hormone may also be beneficial. Other alternatives would include antiepileptics like valproic acid.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Do you think I should try increasing the Clonazepam and Pramipexole. I was taking 10mg Clonazepam and 0.250 Pramipexole.
I wrote the Clonazepam wrong 2 0.5 pills
I wrote the Clonazepam wrong 2 0.5 pills
Brief Answer:
Can be increased
Detailed Answer:
Yes looking at those dosages there is a possibility for increase. Not both at the same time, try one and only if not enough increase the other. You can increase Clonazepam up to 2 mg in the evening (not right away, try 1 mg first, if not enough 1.5, then 2). As for Pramipexole dosage can be taken as high as 0.5g
Let me know if I can further assist you.
Can be increased
Detailed Answer:
Yes looking at those dosages there is a possibility for increase. Not both at the same time, try one and only if not enough increase the other. You can increase Clonazepam up to 2 mg in the evening (not right away, try 1 mg first, if not enough 1.5, then 2). As for Pramipexole dosage can be taken as high as 0.5g
Let me know if I can further assist you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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