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February 10, 2012

Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (cont.)

How Is PLMD Treated?

Generally, there are several classes of drugs that are used to treat PLMD. These include the Parkinson's disease drugs, anticonvulsant medications, benzodiazepines, and narcotics. Current treatment recommendations consider the anti-Parkinson's medications as a first line of defense. Medical treatment of PLMD often significantly reduces or eliminates the symptoms of these disorders.

There is no cure for PLMD and medical treatment must be continued to provide relief.

What Should Someone With PLMD Avoid?

The use of caffeine often intensifies PLMD symptoms. Caffeine-containing products such as chocolate, coffee, tea, and soft drinks should be avoided. Also many antidepressants can worsen PLMD.

WebMD Medical Reference

SOURCES:

National Sleep Foundation. National Institutes of Health.

Reviewed by Louis R. Chanin, MD on March 03, 2010

© 2010 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.


Last Editorial Review: 3/3/2010



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