Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) Discussion Board

has anyone heard if this over the counter sleep medication helps RLS at all? or do you know of any others?

eli - as far as I know, all of the OTC meds use things like antihistamines to put us to sleep. These exacerbate RLS is the vast majority of us. While a few of us can take these, most of us have horror stories to go with what happens when we try them.

In high school, I remember taking something for a sinus attack - maybe Contac or Dristan. I am sure the forumla is different now, but back then, it was one of the worst days of my life! I couldn't stay awake, but my RLS was horrible. I kept trying to wake up enough to move, but couldn't.

I know I won't try any of these! But, my story isn't everyone's story. If you decide to try them, just try a small amount.

Oh, there is a list of medications, right on this very website, that can bother you. Take the link in my signature. That thread lists lots of great info, including a link to the post about medications not to take.

I can take Unisom (the blue tablets with doxylamine), and I've heard from a few others with RLS that it works for them as well. But the gel caps have diphenhydramine (brand name Benedryl) and that stuff is usually pretty bad for making the RLS go crazy. Most of the sedating antihistamines can make the RLS go nuts, so it's good to pay attention to what's in your allergy meds, sleep meds, or cold meds.