How do dialysis patients treat restless leg syndrome?

Treat restless legs: The treatment depends on the cause. More efficient dialysis, better phosphorus and PTH control, or medications like gabapentin, Lyrica (pregabalin) or Cymbalta can be used in different settings. These all carry some risks, so caution is the key when using medication. . Also, sometimes vitamins may be useful.

Same as in others: Several studies have shown that RLS symptoms are very common in the dialysis population, with as many as 50% of patients experiencing these distressing symptoms. Iron deficiency should be ruled out, and medications that cause it (antihistamines, some antidepressants and antipsychotics) should be stopped or changed. Drugs like ropinirole, pramipexol are first line, with benzos/opiates second line.