Restless leg treatments
Dec. 31st, 2006 11:15 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
dracodraconisSource: http://www.scienceblog.com/cms/tweaking-the-treatment-for-restless-legs-12237.html
I have inherited from my father (who apparently inherited from his mother) a condition known as "restless leg" in which the limb experiences creeping sensations, and is found in 10% of the adult population. Mine happen at night, typically when under stress. I was completely unaware that there was a drug (Ropinirole) that can be used to treat it (I just get up and do something until it goes away); however, long-term use can worsen the symptoms. The lastest research says that for those who require medical treatment (not me, fortunately), long-term drug therapy is most effective by rotating through a series of drugs that can be used to treat the condition.
The problem is referred to as "augmentation" and occurs with some migraine suffers. After taking a treatment for an extended period of time, the drug itself begins to trigger the symptoms; in the case of migraine, a dose induces a migraine, and in restless leg it causes the "jittery" feel that leaves you walking the floors at night. It is hoped that a better understanding of augmentation can lead to more effective long-term drug therapies.
I have inherited from my father (who apparently inherited from his mother) a condition known as "restless leg" in which the limb experiences creeping sensations, and is found in 10% of the adult population. Mine happen at night, typically when under stress. I was completely unaware that there was a drug (Ropinirole) that can be used to treat it (I just get up and do something until it goes away); however, long-term use can worsen the symptoms. The lastest research says that for those who require medical treatment (not me, fortunately), long-term drug therapy is most effective by rotating through a series of drugs that can be used to treat the condition.
The problem is referred to as "augmentation" and occurs with some migraine suffers. After taking a treatment for an extended period of time, the drug itself begins to trigger the symptoms; in the case of migraine, a dose induces a migraine, and in restless leg it causes the "jittery" feel that leaves you walking the floors at night. It is hoped that a better understanding of augmentation can lead to more effective long-term drug therapies.