Current and emerging pharmaceutical strategies for the treatment and management of restless legs syndrome.
Expert Rev Neurother
; 24(10): 997-1009, 2024 Oct.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-39082506
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a sensory-motor sleep disorder that affects up to 13% of adults in the Western world and 2-4% of children. It impairs night sleep with an impact on daily performances and life quality. Thus, moderate-to-severe RLS requires pharmacological treatment. AREAS COVERED In the present review, which is based on PubMed searches with no time limits, the authors discuss the recommended pharmacotherapy for RLS in addition to other emerging treatment options. The authors provide coverage to the current recommendations for both adults and pediatric patients with RLS. EXPERT OPINION Current evidence suggests removing all causes of secondary RLS, including iron deficiency, chronic renal failure, drugs, and treating other sleep disorders that may worsen symptoms. Also, intermittent RLS should be addressed with behavioral measures and on-demand therapy. For chronic persistent RLS, α2δ calcium channel ligands are a first-line pharmacological approach, whereas dopamine agonists are associated with increased risk and should be spared. When RLS is refractory to first-line treatment, polytherapy, or opioid monotherapy should be considered. Nonetheless, some patients may not reach sustained symptom relief. Further research is needed to better understand the pathophysiology of RLS and to develop newer more effective drugs.Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Restless Legs Syndrome
Limits:
Adult
/
Humans
Language:
En
Journal:
Expert Rev Neurother
Journal subject:
NEUROLOGIA
/
TERAPEUTICA
Year:
2024
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Italy
Country of publication:
United kingdom