Examples
| Brand Name | Chemical Name |
| Phenaphen with codeine, Tylenol with codeine | codeine |
| Anexsia, Lorcet, Tylox, Vicodin | hydrocodone |
| Percodan | oxycodone |
| Darvon | propoxyphene |
| Ultram | tramadol |
How It Works
Opioids are narcotics and are usually used to relieve pain. It is not known how these medications relieve symptoms of restless legs syndrome.
Why It Is Used
Opioids are usually used for restless legs syndrome only when other drugs have not relieved symptoms. A doctor will usually prescribe only a small amount initially to see whether it helps.
How Well It Works
Low doses of opioids are sometimes used on an as-needed basis to treat symptoms that appear irregularly.
Side Effects
Dizziness, sedation, nausea, vomiting, and constipation are the major side effects of opioids. Addiction or a tolerance can develop.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
More study is needed to discover the full range of side effects. Opioids have not yet been reviewed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration specifically for treatment of restless legs syndrome.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF)
(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.
Credits
| Author | Kathe Gallagher, MSW |
| Author | Cynthia Tank |
| Editor | Alison Allen |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Wayne A. Hening, MD - Neurology |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Karin M. Lindholm, DO - Neurology |
| Last Updated | April 4, 2007 |
Cynthia Tank
© 1995-2007, Healthwise, Incorporated, P.O. Box 1989, Boise, ID 83701. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. For more information, click here. Privacy Policy. How this information was developed.
