Dopaminergic Drugs 

Generally a good response (about 90% of patients will respond) 

a good choice if need to avoid sedative medications or for daytime complaints which would preclude the use of sedatives.

Sinemet (Carbidopa/LevoDopa) 

LevoDopa (L-Dopa), is a precursor drug 

turns into dopamine in the brain 

most often used for RLS is the 25 /100 strength. 

30-60 minutes before bedtime. Up to 3 tablets before bedtime 

will last about 3-4 hours. 

For early morning awakenings, another half to one pill can be added 

works better for nighttime RLS than on daytime RLS symptoms.

nausea - avoided often if the medication is taken with food 

mental effects (confusion, hallucinations, dizziness), 

dyskinesia (abnormal involuntary movements which occur with long term usage). 

Rebound and augmentation in 50-80% of patients, so Sinemet is likely better for mild RLS,

Rebound occurs as the drug's action is wearing off 

-> symptoms coming back even worse than they were before treatment. 

Augmentation: the intensity of the RLS symptoms can increase, 

can onset earlier and even spread to the upper limbs. 

(it is rarely seen with 1-2 tablets a day).

Repreve (Ropinirole) 

RLS sufferers will generally need between .25 mg and 1.5 mg per day 

Interacts with the antibiotic Cipro (ciprofloxin). Slow increase in dose over several weeks