Crossover Drug Effective For Restless Legs Syndrome

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Source: American Academy Of Neurology

Date:

11/26/2002

" Crossover " Drug Effective For Restless Legs Syndrome

ST. PAUL, MN ­ An anticonvulsant drug typically used to control seizures and

neuropathic pain may reduce symptoms among those who suffer from restless

legs syndrome (RLS), a movement disorder that affects up to 10 percent of

the population. A study published in the November 26 issue of Neurology,

journal of the American Academy of Neurology, concludes, " Gabapentin may be

a potent agent for treatment of even severe RLS, without the disadvantages

of long-term complications of previously favored treatments, " according to

study author Diego -Borreguero, MD, of the Fundacion Jimenez Díaz in

Madrid, Spain.

RLS is characterized by: an urge to move the legs, generally accompanied by

unpleasant sensations; an increase of symptoms during rest and a partial,

temporary relief of symptoms through activity; and worsening of symptoms in

the evening or at night. Symptoms tend to progress with age. RLS is usually

treated with dopaminergic drugs, such as those used with Parkinson's disease

patients. However, the side effects and likelihood of long-term

complications have driven the search for RLS treatment options.

Researchers performed a double-blind study of the effectiveness of

gabapentin with 24 patients with RLS, eight men and 16 women. None of the

patients had been treated previously with either gabapentin or dopaminergic

medications, and any other medications were discontinued at least two weeks

before the study began. Patients were randomized and assigned to receive

either gabapentin or placebo in the first of two six-week intervals, with a

one-week " washout period " between alternating treatments. Physical and

neurological examinations were performed at baseline, at the first visit

(neurological examination only), and at the end of each treatment period.

Patients also completed hourly symptom severity ratings.

Using sleep studies as well as an RLS severity rating scale, a sleep

questionnaire, and patients' own perception of clinical symptom change,

researchers found treatment with gabapentin improved (reduced) RLS symptoms

in the study group. Sleep studies also showed a marked reduction in leg

movements, as well as an overall improvement of total sleep time and sleep

quality during treatment with gabapentin. " Our study shows dramatic

therapeutic effects of gabapentin in RLS under controlled conditions, "

concludes Borreguero. " Additional long-term studies are warranted to

confirm our outcomes and examine gabapentin tolerance during chronic

treatment. "

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