Restless legs syndrome

Melody Ryan, John T. Slevin

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

Restless legs syndrome is a symptomatic urge to move the legs, usually accompanied or caused by uncomfortable/ unpleasant sensations deep within the legs that begin or are worsened during periods of rest or inactivity in the evening or night and are partially or totally relieved by movement. It can occur intermittently or daily. Nonpharmacologic treatments include moderate exercise; good sleep hygiene; elimination of alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine; and hot baths, massage, and stretching. Activities promoting mental alertness may improve symptoms. Moderate exercise and use of nasal continuous positive airway pressure are the only nonpharmacologic treatments with proven benefit. For intermittent restless legs syndrome, carbidopa/levodopa and nonpharmacologic therapy are recommended as primary treatments. For daily restless legs syndrome, dopamine agonists, particularly ropinirole and pramipexole, are suggested as the drugs of choice. Carbidopa/levodopa could be considered for daily restless legs syndrome, but augmentation is a significant drawback to its use. Carbamazepine and gabapentin have limited data to support their use.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)430-448
Number of pages19
JournalJournal of Pharmacy Practice
Volume20
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2007

Keywords

  • Limb movements
  • Periodic movement disorder of sleep
  • Restless legs syndrome

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pharmacy
  • Pharmacology (medical)

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