Quality of sleep with Clonazepam for RLS

[caniri]

Hello,
A year ago I was prescribed 2mg/night of Clonazepan for RLS (Restless Leg Syndrome). Recently I attended a support group for RLS and the key speaker was a neuro- physiatrist. He mentioned that long term (meaning my length of use) of this drug causes disruptions in stage 4 sleep (slow wave sleep)! My question for you, is this true? I have not been able to find confirmation anywhere.

[Plcola1]

I too take Clonazepam, but for sleeplessness from back surgery. I take the 2 mg, but I am still up numerous times at night and that is with the use of Ambien.

I have finally determined I am being awaken by pain every time I turn over. Sometimes I can go back to sleep and sometimes I can't. This isn't much fun and adds to my depression.

Any suggestions from anyone?

[CCF Neuro[P]-M.D.-RPS]

Dear Caniri:

Sorry that you have RLS.  Yes, he is correct but your intrepretation or his/her presentation of the effect is not exactly corrrect.  Clonazepam can reduce the amount of REM sleep.  This is usually not harmful.  Your RLS initially reduced REM sleep to begin with so clonazepam likely is not changing this much but likely enhancing the amount of REM your NOW getting.  We have been using other medications to treat RLS, but if this medication has been working for you, stick with it.

Sincerely,

CCF Neuro MD