Treatment of Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) with Methadone versus Buprenorphine, Who Wins?

Opioids are a consensus treatment for moderate to severe restless legs syndrome (RLS) when first-line approaches are insufficient. Methadone and buprenorphine are two of the most common opioids used at very low doses for RLS, but many wonder which one is better. Like those graphic books that pit one creature against another, ‪@andyberkowskimd‬ of ReLACS Health answers the question: methadone versus buprenorphine: who wins?

For more detail on the similarities and difference between methadone and buprenorphine for treatment of RLS, read his blog post:

1. Risk of death from overdose (poisoning)
2. Effect on breathing
3. Effectiveness for severe RLS
4. Ease of use
5. Risk of irregular heart rhythm
6. Cost
7. Availability & Accessibility
8. Induced opioid withdrawal
9. Chemical dependence
10. Constipation
11. Lack of euphoria ("getting high")
12. Pronunciation

Opioids are conditionally recommended for the treatment of RLS in the 2024 Clinical Practice Guidelines by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Find the link to the publication and a video of the draft of the guidelines here:
https://www.relacshealth.com/media-main

In the wake of the opioid crisis in the US, the medical field has swung far to the other side in terms of comfort with prescribing of opioids. To read in detail why doctors are unwilling to prescribe opioids for RLS, read A ReLACSing Blog #21: https://www.relacshealth.com/blog/why...

Want more information about buprenorphine? Watch this video:
https://studio.youtube.com/video/nCoK...

What about methadone in the treatment of RLS? See here:
   • Methadone for Restless Legs Syndrome  

These videos are for general medical information, but those who live in or near Arizona, Michigan, Ohio, or Florida can hire ‪@andyberkowskimd‬ of ReLACS Health for consultation regarding treatment of RLS as well as any sleep disorder that requires a little more time and expertise. Go to https://www.relacshealth.com/ for more information and to schedule your consultation right away.