Q. I hope you can help me. I have very bad leg cramps during the night. I awaken three or four times some nights and have to walk around.
I took quinine capsules for years, buying them over the counter. This always helped.
Quinine was taken off the market, however. I have seen many doctors about this problem, and none will prescribe quinine.
One doctor prescribed surgical stockings. I tried them, but they were most annoying and did not help. I am almost afraid to go to bed. Can you suggest a remedy?
A. The FDA decided years ago that quinine is too dangerous to be used for nighttime leg cramps. Some people experience severe reactions to quinine, including a life-threatening blood disorder as well as more common complications such as ringing in the ears, itching, rash, nausea, diarrhea, headache, low blood sugar or liver damage. This drug derived from the bark of a South American tree can also cause birth defects if taken during pregnancy.
Since you took quinine for ten years without problems, you may want to consider another source: tonic water. People sensitive to quinine should avoid this beverage, but you may find that a simple glass of tonic can control your leg cramps so you can get some sleep.
If the small amount of quinine in tonic water does not help you, we offer many other home remedies in our Guide to Leg Pain. You can find it in our People’s Pharmacy Store along with many other guides, books and products.
The People's Perspective on Medicine