Restless legs syndrome treatment in Fort Lauderdale

That restless, can't-keep-still feeling at night has real causes and real options. Dr. Camilo Ruiz looks at your iron, your medicines and your overall health to find a treatment that lets you rest.

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Camilo Ruiz, DO · Board-certified in sleep medicine and internal medicine

How is restless legs syndrome treated?

Treatment usually starts with a blood test for iron, since low iron can make restless legs worse, and a review of medicines, alcohol and caffeine that can trigger symptoms. Under the 2024 American Academy of Sleep Medicine guideline, iron (by mouth or by IV) and a group of medicines called alpha-2-delta ligands, such as gabapentin and pregabalin, are preferred. Dopamine agonists are no longer recommended for standard use.

Does this sound like you?

I get a strong urge to move my legs when I sit or lie down.
My legs feel creepy, crawly, tingly or achy, and it's hard to describe.
It gets worse in the evening and at night.
Walking or stretching helps, but the feeling comes back when I stop.
I can't sit through a movie, a long drive or a flight.
My partner says my legs jerk or kick while I sleep.

How Dr. Ruiz treats restless legs syndrome

Listening to how it feels

Restless legs is diagnosed mainly from your description. Dr. Ruiz asks when it happens, what helps, and whether it runs in your family, and he checks for other causes of leg discomfort.

Iron and blood tests

He orders iron studies, including ferritin, which shows your stored iron. People with restless legs often need higher iron levels than the usual normal range.

A medicine review

Some allergy and sleep aids (antihistamines), some antidepressants and some anti-nausea medicines can worsen restless legs. Dr. Ruiz looks for these and talks with you about safer options.

Checking for other sleep problems

Sleep apnea, kidney disease, nerve problems and pregnancy can all play a part. A sleep study is not always needed, but Dr. Ruiz may order one if something else is suspected.

Treatment based on current guidelines

Depending on your results, this may include iron by mouth or IV, or an alpha-2-delta medicine such as gabapentin or pregabalin, along with habits that ease symptoms.

Follow-up and adjustments

Symptoms can change over time. Dr. Ruiz rechecks your iron, watches for side effects and adjusts your plan as needed.

Why iron matters in restless legs

Research suggests that low iron in the brain is an important cause of restless legs syndrome, even when a basic blood count looks normal. That is why the American Academy of Sleep Medicine advises checking iron studies in people with restless legs that affect their lives. Ferritin, a measure of stored iron, is one of the key numbers.

People with restless legs often need iron levels that are higher than what is considered normal for the general public. If your levels are low for restless legs, Dr. Ruiz may suggest iron pills or an iron infusion given by IV. Iron by mouth is taken with care, because it can upset the stomach and is not absorbed well by everyone. Iron is not something to start on your own, since too much iron can be harmful. Your levels are rechecked over time.

Why dopamine medicines are no longer the first choice

For years, medicines called dopamine agonists, such as pramipexole, ropinirole and the rotigotine patch, were common first treatments. They often work well at first. But over months to years, some people develop a problem called augmentation. Symptoms start earlier in the day, spread to the arms or other parts of the body, and become more intense.

Because of this, the 2024 American Academy of Sleep Medicine guideline now recommends against using dopamine agonists as standard treatment. It strongly recommends alpha-2-delta ligands (gabapentin, gabapentin enacarbil and pregabalin) and IV iron (ferric carboxymaltose) in the right patients. If you already take a dopamine medicine and your symptoms are getting worse, do not stop it suddenly. Dr. Ruiz can review it with you and plan a safe change if one is needed.

Restless legs or leg cramps?

Restless legs syndrome and nighttime leg cramps are often confused. These are the usual differences.
	Restless legs syndrome	Leg cramps
What it feels like	An urge to move, with crawling, tingling, pulling or aching feelings deep in the legs	A sudden, painful tightening of a muscle, often the calf or foot
Muscle	The muscle is not hard or knotted	The muscle feels hard or bulging
When it happens	Mostly in the evening or at night, while sitting or lying still	Often at night, but also after exercise or long standing
What helps	Moving, walking or stretching brings relief, but it comes back when you stop	Stretching or massaging the muscle until it relaxes
Common links	Low iron, some medicines, pregnancy, kidney disease, family history	Overuse, dehydration, low sodium, potassium or calcium, some medicines

What to expect

Step 1
Request a visit
Call the office. We'll find a time and tell you what to bring.
Step 2
First appointment
Dr. Ruiz goes over your sleep, your health history and what you've already tried.
Step 3
Testing, if needed
A home or in-lab sleep study, or blood work.
Step 4
Treatment and follow-up
You leave with a plan, and come back to adjust it.

Related conditions and care

Patients come to our Fort Lauderdale office from Las Olas, Wilton Manors, Dania Beach, Oakland Park, Lauderhill, Plantation, Hollywood, Hallandale Beach and across South Florida.

Common questions

Is restless legs syndrome a real medical condition?

Yes. Restless legs syndrome, also called Willis-Ekbom disease, is a recognized nerve and sleep disorder. It causes a strong urge to move the legs, usually in the evening or at night, and it can make it hard to fall asleep and stay asleep.

Should I take iron pills for restless legs?

Not without a blood test first. Low iron can make restless legs worse, but too much iron can be harmful. Your doctor can check your ferritin and other iron levels and tell you whether iron by mouth or by IV makes sense for you.

Can my medicines make restless legs worse?

Yes. Antihistamines found in many allergy and over-the-counter sleep aids, some antidepressants, and some anti-nausea and antipsychotic medicines can worsen symptoms. Alcohol and caffeine can too. Do not stop a prescribed medicine on your own. Ask your doctor about alternatives.

Why are dopamine agonists like ropinirole no longer first-line?

Over time, these medicines can cause augmentation, where restless legs symptoms start earlier, spread and become stronger. The 2024 American Academy of Sleep Medicine guideline recommends against their standard use. If you take one now, talk to your doctor before making any change.

Do I need a sleep study for restless legs?

Usually not. Restless legs syndrome is diagnosed mostly from your symptoms and history. A sleep study may be ordered if your doctor suspects another problem, such as sleep apnea or a related condition called periodic limb movement disorder.

What can I do at home to ease restless legs?

Regular exercise, a steady sleep schedule, cutting back on alcohol and caffeine, and activities that keep your mind busy in the evening may help. A warm bath or leg massage helps some people. These steps work best alongside a check of your iron and medicines.

Written by Sleep & Internal Medicine Specialists. Last updated October 18, 2026. This page is general information, not medical advice for your situation.

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