Choose treatment for restless legs syndrome based on patient and drug characteristics

AbstractRestless legs syndrome (RLS; also known as Willis-Ekbom disease) is a common neurological, sensorimotor disorder. RLS is initially managed with lifestyle modifications, elimination of possible iatrogenic contributors and maintenance of normal-high peripheral iron stores. Moderate-to-severe RLS may be treated with pharmacological therapy, which generally involves the use of α-2-δ ligands (e.g. gabapentin enacarbil, pregabalin, gabapentin) and dopamine agonists (e.g. pramipexole, rotigotine, ropinirole), as well as opioids for treatment-resistant RLS. The chosen drug class/specific drug depends on patient factors (e.g. the most prominent symptoms, comorbidities, age-r elated issues, preferences) and drug factors (e.g. tolerability profile, augmentation risk).
Source: Drugs and Therapy Perspectives - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research