Restless legs syndrome in opioid dependent patients.
Although frequently underdiagnosed, several epidemiological studies have estimated the prevalence of restless legs syndrome (RLS) in western countries at 5-15% of the general population. The diagnosis is usually made on a clinical basis, according to the criteria established by the international RLS study group. There are case reports of transient RLS in opiate withdrawal. We describe three opiate (dextropropoxyphene (DPP)) dependent young male patients; two of them had DPP intoxication/withdrawal seizure developing RLS during opiate withdrawal. However, their RLS persisted even after the remission of other withdrawal symptoms. Thyroid function test, hemogram, serum ferritin were normal in all of them. The cases responded well to a treatment with ropinirole. Hence, there might be a causal association, which required further well-designed studies to substantiate. The sleep disturbances and use of benzodiazepines can be minimized by increasing clinician's sensitivity to diagnose RLS.
Department of Psychiatry, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.
Abhishek
A
Ghosh
Drug De-addiction & Treatment Centre, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.
Debasish
D
Basu
Dopamine; opioid dependence syndrome; restless legs syndrome