RLS Treatment
The Restless Legs Syndrome Relief You've Been Searching For in Naples, FL
What Are the Symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome?
- Sensations that begin while resting. The sensation typically begins after you’ve been lying down or sitting for an extended time, such as in a car, airplane, or movie theater.
- Relief with movement. The sensation of RLS lessens with movement, such as stretching, jiggling the legs, pacing, or walking.
- Worsening of symptoms in the evening. Symptoms occur mainly at night.
- Nighttime leg twitching. RLS may be associated with another, more common condition called periodic limb movement of sleep, which causes the legs to twitch and kick, possibly throughout the night, while you sleep.
How Does Ketamine Treat RLS?
This process involves a complex series of brain activities. Scientists believe ketamine addresses RLS by inhibiting the NMDA receptor in brain regions associated with depression and pain. The NMDA receptor is activated by glutamate, a neurotransmitter associated with learning, memory, mood regulation, and pain. When ketamine inhibits the NMDA receptor, glutamate accumulates in the space between neurons. This has a cascade of effects on the brain, resulting in relief from RLS and new neural growth.
This differs from conventional antidepressants, which initially boost serotonin activity levels in several brain areas and tangentially affect glutamate. This process usually takes weeks, sometimes months, to provide relief, while ketamine produces rapid relief from RLS symptoms.
Are There Any Adverse Effects of Ketamine?
Ketamine has very few side effects. While uncommon, some patients report a dreamy state, temporary blurry vision, lightheadedness, nausea or vomiting, and slight transient anxiety. Thanks to its wide safety margin, ketamine is an FDA-approved drug for “off-label” or less typical use.
An “off-label” use indicates a treatment the FDA did not initially authorize. The FDA approves prescription medications only for specific uses, but most medicines at some point develop off-label uses due to the emerging clinical evidence as a drug gets more use and is more closely observed.
For example, Clonidine, initially prescribed for hypertension, was observed to have helpful effects for people with ADHD. Eventually, scientists and clinicians discovered it had other uses. Now Clonidine treats nightmares in individuals with ADHD, a use that the FDA did not initially approve.
Getting Treatment
If you suffer from RLS and want symptom relief, turn to Dura Medical in Naples, Florida, for exceptional care. Behavioral health specialists Stephen Durand, CRNA, APRN, Kathryn Hart, APRN, PMHNP-BC, CPNP-PC, and their expert team offer ketamine therapy to treat RLS. Call the office to learn more about this revolutionary treatment, or book an appointment online today.
