Restless Legs Syndrome

Ketamine Therapy: The Best New RLS Treatment in Spartanburg, SC

Restless legs syndrome is among one of the most prevalent sleep and movement conditions. It impacts an approximated 5 to 10 percent of grownups and 2 to 4 percent of kids in the United States. A disorder identified by a nearly unavoidable impulse to move the legs, typically at night, RLS can make one’s life very difficult.

It is estimated that up to 7-10 percent of the U.S. population may have RLS. At Upstate Ketamine & Wellness Center, our mission is to provide the best RLS treatment in Spartanburg, SC, to those who need it most.

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What are the Symptoms of RLS?

Restless legs syndrome is a condition that causes individuals to feel an uncontrollable urge to move their legs, often because staying stationary creates an uncomfortable sensation that can escalate to pain. The feeling can occur while standing, sitting, or lying down.

It’s unknown what causes RLS, but research suggests that genetic and biological factors in the brain may have a role. Other conditions, like peripheral neuropathy, kidney failure, or iron deficiency, may also contribute to RLS development.

Fortunately, new treatment options, like ketamine infusions, are making it easier to relieve the uncomfortable sensations associated with RLS.

Some people also describe the sensation with words like:

• Throbbing
• Itching
• Pulling

• Crawling
• Creeping
• Electric

While treating RLS can be challenging, ketamine infusion therapy offers the relief you’ve been seeking. Continue reading to learn more about restless legs syndrome and ways to manage it.

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How Does Ketamine Restless Legs Syndrome?

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a condition the cause of which is not well understood. It is a feeling of restlessness in your legs at rest, usually occurring at night, and makes the individual feel as though they need to get up and walk around in order to relieve the discomfort. It is believed to be a result of overactivity of a receptor in the brain for NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate).

Ketamine suppresses the activity of this by binding to the NMDA receptor. Not allowing the NMDA to be activated and thus lessening the signals allowing for the discomfort of RLS. RLS has also been historically difficult to find an adequate treatment for, and ketamine infusions are showing great relief of restless legs syndrome.

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Side Effects of Ketamine Treatment for RLS

As a new treatment option for restless legs syndrome, ketamine has a few minor side effects. These can include a dream-like feeling, double or blurred vision, lightheadedness, nausea or vomiting, and slight anxiety feelings after being given a dose. This treatment method is not developmental because this is an FDA-approved drug utilized for “off-label” or less typical use.

An “off-label” use indicates that it offers a treatment that the FDA did not initially authorize. The FDA approves prescription medications only for specific uses, but most medications at some point develop off-label uses as a result of the clinical experience that develops in time.

As a good example, the medication Prazosin’s purpose was to treat hypertension in 1976. Still, it is now mainly used to treat nightmares in individuals with PTSD, a use not initially approved.

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What To Expect During Your Ketamine Infusion

During treatment, we go above and beyond to make sure all of our patients feel as comfortable as possible in their own private rooms. Infusions typically last 45-60 minutes for mood disorders, while chronic pain conditions like require a larger dose.

A number of our patients refer to a “dissociative” effect, and most of our patients respond positively to this sensation. In many cases, this disassociation effect is what aids with your treatment and delivers a positive response to ketamine therapy.

These are all ordinary components of the treatment. You will always remain in a safe atmosphere with our team there to monitor you and be readily available during your infusion.