Medications that can make restless legs worse

A surprising number of common medications can trigger or worsen restless legs. This list is not a reason to stop anything — it is a reason to have a conversation. Never stop a prescribed medication on your own; the goal here is to help you ask your doctor whether something you take could be contributing.

Common culprits

• Sedating antihistamines. The older, drowsy kind, such as diphenhydramine, found in many over-the-counter sleep aids and cold and allergy products. This is one of the most common hidden triggers, precisely because people take them to sleep.
• Many antidepressants. Especially the ones that raise serotonin. Some are less likely to aggravate RLS than others, so this is a conversation for the doctor who manages your mental health care.
• Anti-nausea and anti-dizziness drugs. Several work by blocking dopamine, which can worsen RLS. Metoclopramide and prochlorperazine are common examples.
• Antipsychotics. Dopamine-blocking medications used for a range of conditions can aggravate restless legs.

Also worth asking about

• Some medications for blood pressure or heart conditions.
• Anything that can lower your iron over time, since low iron is central to RLS.
• Certain combination cold and allergy remedies beyond the antihistamine itself.

What to do

Bring your full list to your next appointment, including over-the-counter products and supplements, and ask whether any of it could be feeding your symptoms. There is often an alternative that is easier on the legs. Do not stop anything on your own; some medications need to be tapered, and the trade-offs are individual.