Treatment of restless legs syndrome with gabapentin.
Gabapentin is a well tolerated anticonvulsant, structurally related to gamma-aminobutyric acid, with an unknown mechanism of action. Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a disorder characterized by sensory and motor symptoms in the legs that is best treated with dopaminergic drugs and opiates. In this open-label study, eight patients with RLS were treated with gabapentin. Four of the eight had a beneficial response, three with almost complete resolution of symptoms for up to 6 months. For a disorder that is often difficult to treat, these results are encouraging, and they suggest that a placebo-controlled trial is warranted.
Adler
C H
CH
Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Center, Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic Scottsdale, AZ 85259, USA.
D000085:Acetates / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000368:Aged; D000588:Amines; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids; D005260:Female; D000077206:Gabapentin; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012148:Restless Legs Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
D000085:Acetates; D000588:Amines; D000927:Anticonvulsants; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; D000077206:Gabapentin