Treatment of restless legs syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
Restless legs syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by a desire to move limbs, which is usually only present or worsens during rest or at night. The objective of this article was to review the available literature about pharmacological treatment for this disorder.


METHODS
A search of recent literature was undertaken on online databases (Medline, Pubmed, Scielo and Lilacs).


RESULTS
502 articles were retrieved, of which 30 were selected. Dopaminergic agents, anticonvulsants, opioids, benzodiazepines, zolpidem, entacapone and ketamine were all effective on the restless legs syndrome treatment. One study showed that iron was not effective.


CONCLUSIONS
Based on few double-blind, randomized, controlled trials, it seems that the best options to treat restless legs syndrome patients are gabapentin and L-dopa associated to its sustained release formulation.
Spolador
Tiago
T
Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública, Salvador, Bahia. tiagospolador@gmail.com
Allis
Johanna Clair Sá
JC
Pondé
Milena Pereira
MP
D000588:Amines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015259:Dopamine Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D000077206:Gabapentin; D006801:Humans; D007980:Levodopa / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012148:Restless Legs Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000588:Amines; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D000927:Anticonvulsants; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids; D015259:Dopamine Agents; D007980:Levodopa; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; D000077206:Gabapentin