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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Does Xanax Intake Cause Restless Leg Syndrome?

I take xanex 0.5 mg 3 times a day for anxiety and depression. I also has restless leg syndrome and I take the 3 tablets at bed time. My doctor said the reason why I have restless leg syndrome is because I take xanex. Is this true. I just research the interaction and causes and I don t see that he is correct.
Fri, 24 Mar 2017
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Diabetologist 's  Response
Hello,

Welcome to Healthcare Magic.

I have read your question fully and understand your concerns.

I do not think Xanax (Alprazolam) is causing you the Restless Leg Syndrome. In fact Alprazolam is sometimes used as a treatment for mild Restless Leg Syndrome. Alprazolam belongs to class of drugs called Benzodiazepine, other examples include diazepam, nitrazepam etc. These drugs are used for treatment of mild Restless Leg Syndrome. These drugs may not eliminate the unpleasant leg sensations, but rather will induce sleep and hence patient can sleep well without getting disturbed by his unpleasant leg sensations.

We still don’t know exactly what causes Restless legs in many patients. It is now thought to be genetic as it runs in families; other causes include neuropathy, diabetes, anaemia, kidney problems etc.

You can continue with the Xanax if it is helping you with anxiety and depression.

I hope this answer has been helpful to you.

Thank you
Regards
Dr Sunita Sayammagaru
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Does Xanax Intake Cause Restless Leg Syndrome?

Hello, Welcome to Healthcare Magic. I have read your question fully and understand your concerns. I do not think Xanax (Alprazolam) is causing you the Restless Leg Syndrome. In fact Alprazolam is sometimes used as a treatment for mild Restless Leg Syndrome. Alprazolam belongs to class of drugs called Benzodiazepine, other examples include diazepam, nitrazepam etc. These drugs are used for treatment of mild Restless Leg Syndrome. These drugs may not eliminate the unpleasant leg sensations, but rather will induce sleep and hence patient can sleep well without getting disturbed by his unpleasant leg sensations. We still don’t know exactly what causes Restless legs in many patients. It is now thought to be genetic as it runs in families; other causes include neuropathy, diabetes, anaemia, kidney problems etc. You can continue with the Xanax if it is helping you with anxiety and depression. I hope this answer has been helpful to you. Thank you Regards Dr Sunita Sayammagaru