About 10% of the Earth population suffer from restless leg syndrome (RLS). Moreover, some people may develop this condition under the certain circumstances as a secondary disorder: for example, women may be tortured by RLS during pregnancy, in anemia victims this disorder is often triggered by their primary disease – namely, iron deficiency, etc.
RLS is considered to be a harmless disorder, but sufferers may be significantly distressed psychologically, feeling like their bodies are out of control; on the other hand, they may be exhausted physically as well, suffering from insomnia and other sleep disturbances, which often accompany RLS.
Taking into account the fact that this condition is chronic and patients are doomed to suffer from it for years, with the tendency of symptoms aggravation and the increase of their severity with the lapse of time, RLS undoubtedly deserves attention of scientists and doctors, who are willing to relieve its symptoms in those millions targeted by the tricky illness. In fact, scholars’ research has already led to some results, namely, to the official approval of a drug, which had been previously used to treat Parkinson’s disease – Requip.
Both diseases (Parkinson’s and RLS) are believed to be caused by the improper levels of dopamine – a neurotransmitter in the brain, which ensures the communication between nerve cells involved in the body movements control.
Oral ropinirole – the active ingredient of Requip – is a second generation dopamine agonist. It means that it is capable of stimulating dopamine receptors in the brain, thus improving nerve cells communication. As a result, patients with moderate and even severe RLS experience improvements of their symptoms. However, it should be noted that the drug is indicated for those with the primary RLS only, when there is a direct link between the symptoms and levels of dopamine. Those patients who suffer from the secondary RLS are not included into the list of candidates for the treatment with Requip.
Ropinirole has a sedating effect on the nervous system and may cause sleepiness and the decrease in alertness; thus, while on Requip, patients should avoid activities, which require increased alertness. The drug is also reported to cause hallucinations in some patients, especially, in seniors. Fainting, difficulty breathing, fever, tremors are other adverse reactions, which require an immediate consultation with a health-care provider.
Less serious side effects of the drug are nausea, vomiting, dizziness, tiredness, upset stomach, diarrhea or constipation, headache and loss of appetite. The aggravation of RLS signs in the morning has been reported by some patients. Others listed anxiety and depression among the unwanted effects of the drug.
The action of Requip may be altered by prescription and OTC medications. Such combinations as Requip and levodopa, estrogen drugs, medicines used to treat nausea, vomiting and mental illnesses, or pills to fight infections should be excluded. Alcohol and smoking also influence Requip activity; thus, they should not be mixed.
There are some contraindications for the Requip usage. People allergic to ropinirole, patients with kidney and liver disorders, cardiovascular diseases, as well as pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take the drug. It is known to cause birth defects and is supposed to pass into the breast milk.
Patients treated with Requip are warned not to exceed the prescribed doses of medication and not to stop the treatment suddenly, since it may result in the experiencing of side effects. In order to lessen the risk of dizziness, one should get up from the sitting or lying position slowly and steadily. It is also advised to take the drug with food to reduce the severity of nausea.
Although Requip does have some weak-points, it nevertheless is a rescuing means for those who hopelessly suffered from restless leg syndrome for years and had to get used to its consequences, which undoubtedly spoiled the lives of the disease victims.
| Tip for you : Sign-in with Your OpenID and post faster, easier and with easy access to all your past posts. | |
|
Your Nick: |
