Restless legs syndrome, or RLS, doesn’t sound like a serious health condition. (Maybe that’s why doctors and researchers sometimes call it Willis-Ekbom disease.) This neurological condition results in unpleasant sensations at rest that go away when the person moves their legs. This compulsion to move the legs can make it very hard to get to sleep, or even to enjoy relaxing in a chair to watch a movie. The sensations vary from one individual to another, but many people describe creepy-crawly feelings, itching, aching or throbbing. They may find it unbearable. Doctors can prescribe medication for RLS, but some of the prescription pills have serious side effects, as you will read below. Is there a better way to manage this problem than Mirapex or similar drugs?
Mirapex Side Effects Were Devastating
Q. I have been haunted with RLS (restless leg syndrome) for years. I took the drug Mirapex, only to get all the side effects: gambling, overeating and obsessing about sex. The drug totally ruined my life. What can you tell me about non-drug approaches?
A. Mirapex (pramipexole) can ease RLS symptoms but side effects such as compulsive eating, shopping and gambling, as well as hypersexuality, have been reported. Some people may fall asleep while driving.
Many readers tell us that minerals such as calcium, magnesium and potassium can help RLS as well as leg cramps. Some also find soap under the sheet helpful. Keep reading to learn of another reader’s success with magnesium.
Magnesium Glycinate for RLS
Q. I sometimes used to have trouble going to sleep due to restless legs syndrome (RLS). In addition, my wife complained about my Periodic Limb Movement of Sleep (PLMS) during the night because it would keep her awake.
As an experiment, I started taking magnesium glycinate (200mg) about one hour before bedtime. Now both symptoms have completely disappeared – unless I’ve had wine or beer, which seem to override the benefits of magnesium. I’ve been following this regimen for over a year now with very good success.
I just wanted to give you some additional feedback from someone with actual experience. Magnesium glycinate can relieve the symptoms of RLS and PLMS.
A. Readers may be wondering about the connection between restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movement of sleep. These are similar but distinct conditions. RLS happens while a person is awake but resting. It consists of uncomfortable sensations ranging from tingling or itching to aching or pain that are relieved when the person responds to an uncontrollable urge to move the leg.
In PLMS, leg or arm movements happen only when the person is sleeping. As a result, the bed partner is the one who notices it.
Clinical trials have tested the value of nutritional supplements for controlling restless legs (Nutrients, July 18, 2024). Magnesium can help RLS symptoms. The specific form tested was magnesium oxide. You are better off with the magnesium glycinate you have chosen, as it is less likely to cause diarrhea.
Learn More
We spoke with Dr. Andrew Spector, author of Navigating Life with Restless Legs Syndrome. You can listen to the interview in Show 1419: Restless Legs, Muscle Cramps and Sleepless Nights. In it, he describes why Mirapex is no longer the treatment of choice for this condition. You may also find our Guide to Leg Pain helpful, with lots more tips for coping with restless legs and leg cramps.
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Citations
- González-Parejo P et al, "Effects of dietary supplementation in patients with restless legs syndrome: A systematic review." Nutrients, July 18, 2024. DOI: 10.3390/nu16142315
