Restless leg syndrome associated with olanzapine: a case series.
Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a common disorder associated with significant distress. We report three cases of drug induced RLS caused by olanzapine. In each case, RLS commenced after initiation of treatment with olanzapine and resolved after ceasing olanzapine. All three patients were subsequently treated with other atypical antipsychotics, risperidone, quetiapine or aripiprazole, without re-emergence of RLS. RLS is associated with central dopaminergic dysfunction. Dopamine agonists and L-dopa reduce the symptoms of RLS, and some agents that block the dopaminergic system aggravate RLS. Greater awareness of potential causes of RLS, and its differentiation from akathisia and illness related agitation might help in reducing the distress associated with it and improving patient compliance.
Aggarwal
Shilpa
S
Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Melbourne, Geelong, Victoria, Australia. shilpazq@gmail.com
Dodd
Seetald
S
Berk
Michael
M
D000328:Adult; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015259:Dopamine Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D000077152:Olanzapine; D012148:Restless Legs Syndrome / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D015259:Dopamine Agents; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D000077152:Olanzapine