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Key takeaways
The most common prescription treatments for restless legs syndrome are gabapentinoid drugs like pregabalin or gabapentin.
People with mild symptoms may find relief with over-the-counter pain medicine such as Tylenol (acetaminophen) or an NSAID like ibuprofen, and people with iron deficiency may require iron supplements.
Lifestyle changes for restless legs syndrome include avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine; engaging in moderate exercise; and massaging the legs.
Restless legs syndrome (RLS), or Willis-Ekbom Disease, is a common and complex condition characterized by an irresistible urge to move the legs, an urge often accompanied by unpleasant and abnormal sensations in the legs such as itching, tingling, or crawling. The urge usually manifests at night or during long periods of sitting, such as driving or watching TV. RLS is classified as a sleep disorder and often causes insomnia. Many people with RLS also have periodic limb movements of sleep (PLMS), a condition in which the legs periodically cramp and jerk around during sleep. There is no cure for RLS, but symptoms can often be managed.
How is restless legs syndrome diagnosed?
Restless legs syndrome is usually diagnosed based on medical history, symptoms, and physical exam. Healthcare providers look for symptoms such as:
The urge to move your legs, accompanied by sensations like aching or pulling
Symptoms that are worse at night or during rest
Relief with stretching, walking, or exercise
Your healthcare provider may also order other tests, such as a neurologic exam or a sleep study.
Restless legs syndrome treatment options
There are several treatment options for restless legs syndrome, including lifestyle changes, dietary supplements, over-the-counter pain relievers, medical devices, and neurological medications. If another medical condition is causing RLS, that condition will need to be treated or managed. For example, if you have iron deficiency anemia, your healthcare provider may recommend iron supplements.
Restless legs syndrome medication
Your healthcare provider will recommend medications or supplements based on individual factors like your symptoms and the underlying cause.
Gabapentinoids
Gabapentinoids were originally developed as anti-seizure (anticonvulsant) medications, but are now widely used to relieve nerve pain. These drugs reduce the excitability of nerves in the spinal cord, effectively “quieting” RLS symptoms as well as other kinds of nerve pain. Healthcare professionals may prescribe medications such as Horizant (gabapentin enacarbil), Lyrica (pregabalin), or a generic formulation of gabapentin, as first-line therapy for severe or chronic RLS.
Dopamine agonists
Dopamine agonists (or dopaminergics) such as pramipexole, ropinirole, and rotigotine are drugs that “mimic” dopamine in the brain. They are remarkably effective at reducing RLS symptoms and dramatically improve sleep. After a while, however, they may lose effectiveness and can worsen RLS symptoms, a phenomenon known as “augmentation.” Because of the risk of augmentation, dopamine agonists are prescribed for RLS at the lowest possible dose for the shortest period.
Opioids
In some cases, opioid pain medications may be required. Opioids are more potent medications that are used for severe RLS symptoms when other, less potent options are not effective or cannot be tolerated. Because of the risk of abuse and dependence, healthcare providers typically try to prescribe opioids at the lowest dose for the shortest period of time. Opioids require careful monitoring, especially when combined with other medication(s).
Other prescription medications
Medications that include levodopa (a molecule the body converts into dopamine) and benzodiazepines, such as clonazepam, were prescribed for RLS to treat symptoms or put patients to sleep. They are, however, less commonly prescribed these days. Levodopa rapidly loses effectiveness and causes augmentation, and benzodiazepines have a high potential for abuse.
Over-the-counter restless legs syndrome medicine
Some people with mild symptoms may find relief with over-the-counter pain medications like Tylenol (acetaminophen) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Motrin (ibuprofen). Healthcare providers typically recommend iron supplements to people with RLS who have an iron deficiency. Check with your healthcare provider before using any OTC medicine for RLS.
What's the best medication for restless legs syndrome?
There is not one “best” medication for restless legs syndrome. Healthcare providers will determine the most appropriate treatment based on individual considerations like your symptoms and underlying conditions.
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Best medicine for restless legs syndrome
| Drug name | See SingleCare price |
|---|---|
| Neupro | Get free coupon |
| Horizant | Get free coupon |
| Lyrica | Get free coupon |
| Requip Xl | Get free coupon |
| Mirapex | Get free coupon |
| Pramipexole | Get free coupon |
| Motrin IB Ibuprofen | Get free coupon |
| Tylenol | Get free coupon |
| Oxycontin | Get free coupon |
This is not an exhaustive list of restless legs syndrome medications. Always ask your healthcare provider for the best treatment for restless legs syndrome based on your health condition and medical history.
Common side effects of restless legs syndrome medicine
All medications may have side effects, and different classes of medications have different side effects. However, this is not a complete list, and you should consult with your healthcare professional for possible side effects and drug interactions based on your specific situation. Gabapentinoids, dopamine agonists, and opioids all cause sleepiness, fatigue, and dizziness as common side effects. Dopamine agonists sometimes cause augmentation, which means that the condition worsens over time. Consult your healthcare provider for more information about side effects for the medication(s) you take for RLS.
Home remedies for restless legs syndrome
Lifestyle changes are a critical part of RLS treatment and may include:
Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine, which may worsen RLS symptoms. Certain medications can worsen RLS symptoms, too, so check with your healthcare provider to see if any of your medications are contributing to your symptoms.
Exercise in moderation for 30 to 60 minutes daily, but avoid exercise that is too strenuous, as that can worsen RLS symptoms. Check with your healthcare provider before beginning or changing your exercise routine.
Practice good sleep hygiene. For example, stick to a regular sleep and wake schedule and keep the bedroom cool, dark, and free of electronics.
Massage the legs with a roller, as doing so may help relieve symptoms.
Frequently asked questions about restless legs syndrome
Do bananas help with restless legs syndrome?
Bananas do not help treat restless legs syndrome or relieve its symptoms.
How can I get immediate relief from restless legs syndrome?
Once the symptoms start, people with RLS typically can immediately reduce the symptoms by moving or stretching their legs. People with mild RLS symptoms can sometimes find relief by using over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
How do you sleep with restless legs?
To improve sleep, people with restless legs syndrome need to make a few lifestyle changes that include avoiding alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine, practicing good sleep hygiene, relaxing before bed with a warm bath or stretching, moderate daily exercise, and leg massage. People with severe RLS typically need prescription medications to reduce symptoms sufficiently to be able to sleep.
How do you test for restless legs syndrome?
There are no specific tests for restless legs syndrome. Healthcare providers will review your symptoms and medical history and perform a physical exam. They may also order other tests to rule out other underlying conditions or find a possible cause.
What is restless legs a sign of?
Restless legs syndrome can be caused by other conditions that, when successfully treated, may completely resolve the RLS. These include iron deficiency, folate deficiency, magnesium deficiency, anemia, pregnancy, neuropathy, diabetes, fibromyalgia, amyloidosis, celiac disease, venous insufficiency, and end-stage kidney disease.
What triggers restless legs syndrome?
RLS symptoms are typically triggered by inactivity, either by lying down to sleep at night or sitting for a long time, such as watching TV or driving. RLS symptoms often occur at night and may interfere with sleep.
What is the best home remedy for restless legs syndrome?
Lifestyle changes are a key component of RLS treatment. Of the recommended home remedies, the most effective is eliminating habits that worsen symptoms. These include avoiding caffeine or alcohol, nicotine-containing products, and using certain antihistamines. Other remedies, such as exercise, massage, and maintaining good sleep hygiene, may help some people, but not all.
What is the best over-the-counter medicine for restless legs syndrome?
There is no specific best OTC medicine for RLS. People with mild RLS may find symptom relief with over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
What medications aggravate restless legs syndrome?
Many types of medications may trigger or worsen RLS symptoms, such as certain antihistamines, SSRI antidepressants, and antipsychotic medications. Check with your healthcare provider to see if any of your medications may be contributing to your symptoms, but do not stop taking your medicine without talking to your provider first.
What foods trigger restless legs syndrome?
There is no scientific evidence that foods trigger restless legs syndrome. Caffeine and alcohol can make symptoms both more likely and more severe, and some people with RLS report that sugar does the same. Otherwise, RLS symptoms are more commonly triggered by several minutes of inactivity, such as sitting or lying down, often at night.
Sources
Restless legs syndrome, StatPearls (2023)
Restless legs syndrome, MedlinePlus (2018)
Restless legs, MedlinePlus (2025)
Restless legs syndrome, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (2026)
Restless legs syndrome, Cleveland Clinic (2026)
Diagnosis & treatment, Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation (2025)
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