Restless legs may occur in patients suffering from anemia, kidney failure, electrolyte imbalances, and disease of the peripheral nerves or spinal cord. Restless legs also occur unassociated with any of the above conditions. The extent of the problem is unknown. Treatments for restless legs, unassociated with other conditions, consist of benzodiazepines including Klonopin, Restoril, and Valium. Benzodiazepines improve the quality of night-time sleep but don't affect the periodic leg movements.
Benzodiazepines are depressants and often cause daytime drowsiness.
Codeine reduces the unpleasant sensations associated with restless legs but is otherwise of limited usefulness. Moreover, codeine is addictive. In a recent study reported in Neurology, the journal of the American Academy of Neurology, J Montplaisier reported on the efficacy of Mirapex, a dopamine agonist, in treating restless legs unassociated with Parkinson or other conditions. The study included 10 patients. Sinemet-CR and dopamine agonists in addition to giving relief to restless leg patients imply that dopamine and dopamine receptors play a pivotal role in causing the disorder.