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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Sinemet Advisable For Restless Leg Syndrome?

I have just been prescribed carbidopa levodopa 10-100 for restless legs. I have had restless legs condition for about 8 years. I am 66 years of age and have been taking pramipeloxe 1 mg tablet for the past several years. Pramipexole is suspected to cause ed, which I have begun experiencing only in in the last few months.Is cardibopa levodopa a better rx for this situation.
Wed, 14 Dec 2016
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hi & Welcome.
Yes, Sinemet can be an alternate effective medication.

Restless leg syndrome is a disorder of the part of the nervous system that causes an urge to move the legs especially during sleep. It appears to be due to an imbalance of the neurotransmitter dopamine (chemical in the brain) which sends messages to control muscle movement.

Usually the first line of drugs include Dopamine agonists such as Ropinirole or Pramipexole.

However, they can also cause impulse control disorders, such as compulsive gambling, day time sleeping or sexual dysfunction like ED in that case you can take an alternative medication such as Sinemet (combination of levodopa and carbidopa) which increases the level of dopamine in the brain and may improve the symptoms of restless leg syndrome.

Other effective medications include Gabapentin and Pregabalin

Besides the medications, any underlying medical conditions, such as anemia, diabetes, nutritional deficiencies, kidney disease, thyroid disease, varicose veins, or Parkinson's disease, should be treated accordingly.

Dietary supplements to correct vitamin or mineral deficiency may be recommended. For some people, these treatments are all that is needed to relieve the symptoms.

You also need to avoid certain substances or foods that may be causing or worsening the problem like alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine (smoking).

Hope these answer your query.

A feed back is appreciated.
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Is Sinemet Advisable For Restless Leg Syndrome?

Hi & Welcome. Yes, Sinemet can be an alternate effective medication. Restless leg syndrome is a disorder of the part of the nervous system that causes an urge to move the legs especially during sleep. It appears to be due to an imbalance of the neurotransmitter dopamine (chemical in the brain) which sends messages to control muscle movement. Usually the first line of drugs include Dopamine agonists such as Ropinirole or Pramipexole. However, they can also cause impulse control disorders, such as compulsive gambling, day time sleeping or sexual dysfunction like ED in that case you can take an alternative medication such as Sinemet (combination of levodopa and carbidopa) which increases the level of dopamine in the brain and may improve the symptoms of restless leg syndrome. Other effective medications include Gabapentin and Pregabalin Besides the medications, any underlying medical conditions, such as anemia, diabetes, nutritional deficiencies, kidney disease, thyroid disease, varicose veins, or Parkinson s disease, should be treated accordingly. Dietary supplements to correct vitamin or mineral deficiency may be recommended. For some people, these treatments are all that is needed to relieve the symptoms. You also need to avoid certain substances or foods that may be causing or worsening the problem like alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine (smoking). Hope these answer your query. A feed back is appreciated.