What are the symptoms of RLS?
The symptoms of RLS may not be easy to describe.
People with RLS often use words like "creepy-crawly," "aching," "tingling," “twitching,” “fidgety,” and/or "tugging" to try and describe the strange feelings they sense in their legs. It’s okay to describe symptoms in this manner and in these terms. Many people with RLS have difficulty explaining the odd sensations they feel, even when talking to their doctor or loved ones. The sensations are usually deep within the legs, usually the calves, and in some cases in the arms.
People with RLS say that they have an urge to move their legs even when they are tired and want to relax. The symptoms are often worse at night, and many patients say their legs feel funny when they have to sit still for a long time. They may also find it difficult to sit through a long meal, a movie, a show, or any activity that requires immobility.
SYMPTOM CHECKLIST
The four essential symptoms of RLS.
| Yes No | I have a strong urge to move my legs when resting. |
| Yes No | I have feelings in my legs such as burning, creeping, crawling, aching, tingling, and tugging. |
| Yes No | Moving my legs gives me relief. |
| Yes No | My symptoms are worse at night when I rest. |
| Yes No | Do symptoms of RLS affect activities during the night and day?* |
If yes, which of the following are affected by your RLS symptoms?
| Yes No | Poor sleep |
| Yes No | Daytime exhaustion |
| Yes No | Body pain |
| Yes No | Tired legs |
| Yes No | Mood disturbance |
Does anyone in your family have the symptoms of RLS?
| Yes No |
Use this printable checklist to help understand your condition.
This checklist is designed to help you better understand the symptoms you are experiencing and to see if they relate to RLS. Please note that this list is not a tool for diagnosis. Only your doctor can make a diagnosis.
If you agreed with any of these statements, you may have RLS. Restless legs syndrome is a treatable condition. Talk to your doctor today.
Click here for the RLS Doctor Discussion Guide/Patient Symptom and Sleep Diary
*The symptoms above, while associated with RLS, do not serve as diagnostic criteria. Products approved for the treatment of RLS may not improve all these symptoms.
- I feel fidgety
- It’s like creepy-crawly bugs crawling under my skin
- I have an irresistible urge to move my legs
- Tingling
- Tugging
- It gets worse when I rest or lie down
- It is worse at night when I really want to sleep
- I have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep
- I get twitching and jerking of my legs
- Moving my legs gives me relief
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Only a doctor can diagnose and provide therapy for RLS
Only a doctor can diagnose and provide therapy for RLS. Get your Doctor Discussion Guide here.
Important Information about MIRAPEX: MIRAPEX is indicated for the treatment of moderate-to-severe primary Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS).
MIRAPEX may cause you to fall asleep without any warning, even while doing normal daily activities, such as driving. Before taking MIRAPEX, talk to your doctor if you drink alcohol or take other medications that make you drowsy as these can increase the chance that MIRAPEX will make you feel sleepy or fall asleep when you should be awake. When taking MIRAPEX, hallucinations (seeing, hearing, feeling, or tasting something that isn't there) may occur and you may sometimes feel dizzy, nauseated, faint or sweaty when you sit up or stand quickly. In clinical trials for RLS, the most commonly reported side effects of MIRAPEX that were more frequent than with placebo are nausea, headache, and tiredness. Talk to your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.
There have been reports of impulse control disorders and compulsive behaviors in patients taking certain medicines, including MIRAPEX. If you or your family members notice that you are experiencing new or increased gambling urges, increased sexual urges or other intense urges, such as compulsive shopping or eating, while taking MIRAPEX, talk to your doctor.
This information is intended for U.S. residents only. Products discussed herein may have different labeling in different countries.
Please see full Prescribing Information, including patient information.
