Restless leg syndrome (RLS) does not seem like a serious health problem. Compared to coronary heart disease, diabetes or cancer, RLS just doesn’t sound scary. But ask someone with this condition how it affects their life, and you might change your mind.

Restless leg syndrome is a neurological condition in which the person senses an unpleasant feeling in the legs that is only relieved by moving them. This can also affect arms or other body parts, but legs are mentioned most frequently.

The symptoms are strongest when the person is resting at the end of the day. They can interfere with sleep or make travel impossible.

Readers of this column have shared their experience with RLS. One wrote: “For me, it is chronic and gets worse as I get older. I’ve taken Mirapex and ropinirole.

They worked at first and later lost their effectiveness.

“I go to a movement disorder specialist who has treated me with respect and worked hard to manage the symptoms, which involve the entire right side of my body.

“Recently a pharmacist refused to fill a prescription that keeps me free of symptoms. I panicked at the idea of going without the medication. My symptoms are sheer torture. Suicide seemed like the only thing that would release me from the torture.

“Then I found a pharmacist who would fill the prescription. She saved my life. RLS is no joke!”

Another agreed: “RLS does make you consider suicide! I suffered from it for over 20 years. After seeing four neurologists and three primary care physicians, I finally got an appointment at a sleep medicine center.

“There I got a prescription for methadone. Although it’s controversial, it is truly my miracle drug!

“Anyone who has RLS should go online and join the Restless Leg Foundation. They offer a lifeline to RLS centers around the country. It could save your life as it helped save mine.”

Until a few decades ago, doctors had no medications to alleviate RLS. Now there are drugs such as Requip (ropinirole), Mirapex (pramipexole) or Neupro (rotigotine) that work through the neurotransmitter dopamine.

While effective treatment for RLS can be a lifesaver, it can also ruin lives. Physicians prescribing drugs like ropinirole or pramipexole should warn their patients about the possibility that they might develop compulsive behaviors including gambling.

We heard from one man who wrote: “I am a 45-year-old man and have been on Mirapex at the maximum dosage for 18 months now. In the past year, I have developed an obsession with shopping for men’s cologne and clothes. My fragrance collection has more than 300 colognes I could not afford.

“I have developed an addiction to pornography and sex, too. I have driven my wife out of my bed, because I can’t resist my urges to constantly grope her, and I guilt-trip her to have sex with me. In a typical day, I masturbate and pressure my wife into some sort of sexual activity.

“I became obsessed with weightlifting and lost 30 pounds. On the meds, I sleep well and can function without being tired. I have only now realized there could be a direct link between my activity and my meds. This drug has changed me and I don’t like it.”

People with RLS can benefit from treatment. They must, however, be informed of potentially devastating side effects.

In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of King Features, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803, or email them via their website: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com.