Updates on the Treatment of Restless Legs Syndrome
10.14401/KASMED.2018.25.1.5
- Author:
Seung Gul KANG
1
Author Information
1. Department of Psychiatry, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University, College of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea. kangsg@gachon.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords:
Anticonvulsant;
Augmentation;
Dopamine agonist;
Restless legs syndrome;
Treatment
- MeSH:
Anticonvulsants;
Arm;
Benzodiazepines;
Chronic Disease;
Dopamine Agonists;
Iron;
Leg;
Paresthesia;
Pregabalin;
Restless Legs Syndrome;
Sleep Wake Disorders
- From:Sleep Medicine and Psychophysiology
2018;25(1):5-8
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a sleep disorder characterized by an urge to move the legs or arms and uncomfortable paresthesia in the legs. Treatment of RLS can be various depending on the causes, severity, and frequency of the symptoms. In the case of secondary RLS, it is important to identify and manage the cause of RLS. Dopamine agonists have been used as firstline treatments for primary RLS treatment. However, due to augmentation, which is a common side effect of dopamine agonists, recent treatment guidelines are changing to prefer to anticonvulsants such as pregabalin and gabapentin. Iron, opioid, or benzodiazepine may be used when anticonvulsants or dopamine agonists are not adequately treated. Because RLS is a chronic disease, it is essential to establish a long-term treatment plan considering both efficacy and side effects.
