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More on Migraine and Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)

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A meta study was completed last year and just published, which yet again confirms the connection between migraine and restless legs syndrome (RLS). It’s nice to know you’re not alone, but what can you do to actually fight these frustrating symptoms?

Restless Legs Syndrome and Migraine

What is RLS?

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke begins their explanation of RLS this way:

Restless legs syndrome (RLS), also called Willis-Ekbom Disease, causes unpleasant or uncomfortable sensations in the legs and an irresistible urge to move them. Symptoms commonly occur in the late afternoon or evening hours, and are often most severe at night when a person is resting, such as sitting or lying in bed. They also may occur when someone is inactive and sitting for extended periods (for example, when taking a trip by plane or watching a movie).

Restless Legs Syndrome Fact Sheet

Many people can immediately identify with that explanation. So if you’re suffering from both migraine and RLS, what are some key things that you can investigate?

  1. Treat both migraine and RLS – don’t ignore either one. It will help both you and your doctor if you think about both conditions. There may be treatments that can help both. Medications taken for one may make the other worse. And treating one well may actually help fight the other.
  2. Check your iron levels. Low iron levels can be related to headache, migraine, and RLS. It’s simple to check iron and ferritin levels – read this for more: Is there a link between iron levels and RLS?
  3. Take a close look at the medications and supplements that you take. This should be done with a specialist familiar with RLS and migraine. Some medications may make RLS worse – such as Reglan, Benadryl, Largactil, Prozac, and Compro.
  4. Watch out for caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol. Again, discuss the options with your doctor. Consider cutting out nicotine, and keep your afternoons and evenings caffeine-free. But you may need to completely avoid all three.
  5. Moderate activity. Both migraine and RLS can be triggered by sudden, vigorous activity. But try starting with some mild stretches and a half-hour walk in the evening.
  6. To bed – to rise – at the same time. Try to maintain a regular sleep schedule, which can be beneficial in both conditions. Avoid looking at screens before bed – see if you can find one of those old fashioned paper books. A warm bath may also help.
  7. A balanced diet – beware of processed foods and sugar. There are many reasons why these may make migraine and RLS symptoms worse.
  8. Other treatments and medications. There are many specific treatments and medications for RLS that people have found to be helpful. If your condition is moderate or severe, talk to your doctor or a specialist and consider your options. But remember, make sure your doctor is aware that you also have migraine.

Fore more information:

FDA Warning: Reglan (Metoclopramide)

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On the 26th of February 2009, the FDA issued a warning about metoclopramide, commonly sold under the brand name of Reglan, as well as many others (Clopra, Maxolon, Reclomide, and Octamide).  The warning is for patients taking high doses, or taking it over the long term.

Reglan is commonly used for migraine, particularly migraine in children, because of its ability to treat both nausea and pain.  It also is given along side other migraine medications, because it can help them absorb better.

It is an antiemetic and gastrointestinal stimulant, and is also prescribed for things like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), stomach ulcer, and even to increase milk production in nursing mothers.

The FDA warning says that too much metoclopramide can cause tardive dyskinesia, which causes patients to make involuntary, repetitive, purposeless motions.  This has actually been known for some time, and there are other drugs that cause the same thing.  However, according to the FDA press release, a recent analysis has suggested that metoclopramide is the most common cause.  The symptoms often go away several weeks after the medication is stopped, but not always.  The effect can be permanent.

The concern is especially with patients who are taking metoclopramide for more than three months.  If you’re taking an unusually high dosage, or are taking the medication regularly over a long period of time, be sure you know the risks.

The concerns about Reglan are just a reminder that many drugs that are fairly safe for a short period of time can cause problems over a longer period.  More is not always better.  Be sure to know the risks, and take your medication only as directed by a doctor who understands your medical history and knows what other medication you’re taking.

via Somebody Heal Me

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The articles on Headache and Migraine News are © 2004-2024 J. Cottrill.
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