Horizant Once Denied Now FDA Approved for RLS
Another Pill, Another Side Effects List for Those Suffering from Restless Leg Syndrome
Around a year ago the FDA had chose not to grant approval to Horizant due to concern over a possible association to cancer in rats.
Late Wednesday, the FDA had granted its approval after reviewing additional preclinical information on the drugs safety. This is the first medication in its class to have been granted approval for moderate to severe restless leg syndrome.
Restless leg syndrome affects around 12 million Americans. Classified as a neurological disorder described as uncomfortable feelings in the legs and feet. Sitting or laying down does not provide any relief. People with this disorder have described it as a tugging, burning or crawling feeling inside the legs. These feelings range from being uncomfortable to painful.
Horizant had been granted approval after a twelve week clinical trial which demonstrated it did relieve symptoms of RLS in comparison to a placebo. When trying to lay down and relax it stimulates the symptoms. Leaving a lot of people with RLS finding difficulty in falling asleep and maintaining sleep.
Just as fibromylagia some practitioners do believe the condition is real while others dispute its existence. Regardless of this ongoing debate the medications are in fact real. Horizant is the third medication approved to treat RLS. This drug is a form of anticonvulsant drug in which quiets down the abnormal excitement in the brain.
The other two medications which have been approved are Mirapex and Requip both had been originally manufactured for the treatment of Parkinson's disease.
All three of the drugs focus on the brain for leg and other limb relief. However, it is not yet known how to battle the physical stress which comes from twitching in the leg muscles.
The side effects from this drug includes drowsiness, dizziness which could cause impairment in the ability to drive or use heavy machinery. The body absorbs Horizant as gabapentin, a drug which is used to treat epilepsy that may cause suicidal thoughts and actions in some people according to the FDA. Horizant will carry a warning label noting this fact.
As the debate wages on if RLS does exist so does the debate on RLS and alternative treatments. Unfortunately there has not been many scientific studies on the use of alternative medicine and RLS. For the good news there is a list of alternative treatment options that have been noted to help those suffering from RLS provided by the Restless Leg Syndrome Foundation. Here are a few of them.
Chiropractic
In recent studies 90% of patients suffering from RLS had received relief of symptoms from chiropractic treatments. The treatments can provide correction for the instability in the feet, knees, ankles, hips. Adjustments made to the pelvic and lumbo-sacral spine stabilizes these areas. Other treatments will include stretching exercises and nutritional and herbal advice. It has also been noted that people with fibromylagia have 11 times greater chance of having RLS. Chiropractic care is used by many people with fibromylagia for relief of symptoms. Therefore it would make sense to see a chiropractor for symptom relief. Chiropractic concentrates on each individual patient and their symptoms therefore it is not a one treatment fits all approach.
Reflexology
Reflexology much like acupuncture treatments with the difference being no needles are used. Reflexology employs the use of hands and feet. It concentrates on the brain, head and spine all being connected. When the foot massage is applied to certain areas of the feet a reaction is given to provide symptom relief. Reflexologists use thumbs, fingers and hands in this treatment. Sometimes lotion is applied it is dependent on the therapist and patient.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture treatments may lessen the need for medications. Acupuncture has had great success in the past for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and it is believed that acupuncture will have the same effect on RLS.
As with any alternative therapy consult your health care practitioner before using.
Sources:
Published by Debbie
Deb is currently writing articles for magazines. Also featured as Detroit Alternative Medicine Examiner, Women's Health Examiner and Anchor for All Voices. . Also publisher of the new magazine "Cherokee Ble... View profile
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- The Food and Drug Administration has now granted approval for the drug Horizant.
- Around a year ago the FDA had chose not to grant approval to Horizant.
- As the debate wages on if RLS does exist so does the debate on RLS and alternative treatments.