LogFAQs > #939931231

Zangulus posted...

Quinine. Get Tonic water and drink 4oz. It's literally the same medication a doctor will give to you.

This isn't true as far as I'm aware. A good doctor would not prescribe quinine for restless leg.

Per UpToDate: "Quinine use for the treatment or prevention of nocturnal leg cramps may result in serious and life-threatening hematologic reactions, including thrombocytopenia and hemolytic uremic syndrome/thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). Chronic renal impairment associated with the development of TTP has been reported. The risk associated with quinine use in the absence of evidence of its effectiveness in the treatment or prevention of nocturnal leg cramps outweighs any potential benefit."

Ideal conservative options for reducing the problem includes increasing physical activity, treatment of anemia if iron is low and reducing caffeine. Medical intervention, if required for more chronic issues, is best completed with a non ergot dopamine agonist, such as ropinarole, brand name Requip.