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A Narrative Review of the Lesser Known Medications for Treatment of Restless Legs Syndrome and Pathogenetic Implications for Their Use. Tremor Other Hyperkinet Mov (N Y) 2023; 13:7. [PMID: 36873914 PMCID: PMC9983500 DOI: 10.5334/tohm.739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background There are several well-known treatments for Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), including dopamine agonists (pramipexole, ropinirole, rotigotine), anticonvulsants (gabapentin and its analogs, pregabalin), oral or intravenous iron, opioids and benzodiazepines. However, in clinical practice, treatment is sometimes limited due to incomplete response or side effects and it is necessary to be aware of other treatment options for RLS, which is the purpose of this review. Methods We performed a narrative review detailing all of the lesser known pharmacological treatment literature on RLS. The review purposefully excludes well-established, well-known treatments for RLS which are widely accepted as treatments for RLS in evidence-based reviews. We also have emphasized the pathogenetic implications for RLS of the successful use of these lesser known agents. Results Alternative pharmacological agents include clonidine which reduces adrenergic transmission, adenosinergic agents such as dipyridamole, glutamate AMPA receptor blocking agents such as perampanel, glutamate NMDA receptor blocking agents such as amantadine and ketamine, various anticonvulsants (carbamazepine/oxcarbazepine, lamotrigine, topiramate, valproic acid, levetiracetam), anti-inflammatory agents such as steroids, as well as cannabis. Bupropion is also a good choice for the treatment of co-existent depression in RLS because of its pro-dopaminergic properties. Discussion Clinicians should first follow evidence-based review recommendations for the treatment of RLS but when the clinical response is either incomplete or side effects are intolerable other options can be considered. We neither recommend nor discourage the use of these options, but leave it up to the clinician to make their own choices based upon the benefit and side effect profiles of each medication. Summary Clinicians should first follow evidence-based reviews for RLS but when response is incomplete and side effects intolerable, other medications can be considered. We do not make a recommendation on these options but leave it up to the clinician to make their own choice based upon the benefit and side effect profiles of each medication.
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Vishwakarma K, Kalra J, Gupta R, Sharma M, Sharma T. A double-blind, randomized, controlled trial to compare the efficacy and tolerability of fixed doses of ropinirole, bupropion, and iron in treatment of restless legs syndrome (Willis-Ekbom disease). Ann Indian Acad Neurol 2016; 19:472-477. [PMID: 27994356 PMCID: PMC5144468 DOI: 10.4103/0972-2327.194424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: We aimed to compare the efficacy of fixed doses of bupropion and ropinirole and iron alone for the treatment of restless legs syndrome (RLS) and to look for the tolerability of these medications. Materials and Methods: Patients diagnosed with RLS were randomly divided into three groups with thirty patients in each group (Group A: Bupropion [300 mg/day], Group B: Ropinirole [0.25–0.5 mg/day], and Group C: Oral iron [150 mg elemental iron] along with folic acid [500 μg]). Each participant was then assessed for severity of RLS, as well as RLS-related quality at the baseline, and thereafter, every 14th day till 6 weeks based on the International Restless Legs Scale (IRLS) severity rating scale and Restless Legs Syndrome Quality of Life (RLSQoL) Questionnaire, respectively. Results: IRLS scores differed significantly from baseline visit to last (F = 4.85; P = 0.01). The interaction between the time x treatment group was significant (F = 10.37; P < 0.001) showing an improvement with the therapy in all the groups. Pair-wise comparison depicted that ropinirole group differed from other two groups in IRLS score (F = 7.06; P = 0.001), which were comparable to each other. Regarding quality of life of these cases, within each group scores differed among all the four visits (F = 5.12; P = 0.002). Unlike IRLS, there was no significant difference among the RLSQOL scores between groups at any point of time (F = 1.2; P = 0.28). Conclusion: RLS severity decreased across time in all three groups; however, the ropinirole treatment was better than the bupropion and iron-folate therapy. Moreover, RLS-related quality of life although improved among all groups, it was comparable among three groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirti Vishwakarma
- Department of Pharmacology, Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India; Department of Pharmacology, TMMC and RC, Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Juhi Kalra
- Department of Pharmacology, Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Ravi Gupta
- Department of Psychiatry and Sleep Clinic, Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Mukesh Sharma
- Department of Community Medicine, TMMC and RC, Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Taruna Sharma
- Department of Pharmacology, Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
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de Biase S, Merlino G, Lorenzut S, Valente M, Gigli GL. ADMET considerations when prescribing novel therapeutics to treat restless legs syndrome. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2014; 10:1365-80. [DOI: 10.1517/17425255.2014.952629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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Bohra MH, Kaushik C, Temple D, Chung SA, Shapiro CM. Weighing the balance: how analgesics used in chronic pain influence sleep? Br J Pain 2014; 8:107-18. [PMID: 26516542 PMCID: PMC4590120 DOI: 10.1177/2049463714525355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Pain and sleep share a bidirectional relationship, with each influencing the other. Several excellent reviews have explored this relationship. In this article, we revisit the evidence and explore existing research on this complex inter-relationship. The primary focus of the article is on the pharmacological treatment of chronic non-malignant pain and the main purpose is to review the effect of various pharmacological agents used in the management of chronic pain on sleep. This has not been comprehensively done before. We explore the clinical use of these agents, their impact on sleep architecture and sleep physiology, the mechanism of action on sleep parameters and sleep disorders associated with these agents. Pharmacological classes reviewed include antidepressants, opioid analgesics, anti-epileptics, cannabinoids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, drugs most commonly used to manage chronic pain. The objective is to help health professionals gain better insight into the complex effect that commonly used analgesics have on an individual's sleep and how this could impact on the effectiveness of the drug as an analgesic. We conclude that antidepressants have both positive and negative effects on sleep, so do opioids, but in the latter case the evidence shifts towards the counterproductive side. Some anticonvulsants are sleep sparing and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are sleep neutral. Cannabinoids remain an underexplored and researched group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miqdad H Bohra
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Daniel Temple
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Sharon A Chung
- Sleep Research Laboratory, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Colin M Shapiro
- Department of Psychiatry, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada ; Sleep and Alertness Clinic Youthdale Child & Adolescent Sleep Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
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de Biase S, Merlino G, Lorenzut S, Valente M, Gigli GL. Investigational approaches to therapies for restless legs syndrome. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2014; 23:847-56. [DOI: 10.1517/13543784.2014.907793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Bupropion and Bupropion Analogs as Treatments for CNS Disorders. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY 2014; 69:177-216. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-420118-7.00005-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Abstract
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common neurological disorder of unknown etiology that is managed by therapy directed at relieving its symptoms. Treatment of patients with milder symptoms that occur intermittently may be treated with nonpharmacological therapy but when not successful, drug therapy should be chosen based on the timing of the symptoms and the needs of the patient. Patients with moderate to severe RLS typically require daily medication to control their symptoms. Although the dopamine agonists, ropinirole and pramipexole have been the drugs of choice for patients with moderate to severe RLS, drug emergent problems like augmentation may limit their use for long term therapy. Keeping the dopamine agonist dose as low as possible, using longer acting dopamine agonists such as the rotigotine patch and maintaining a high serum ferritin level may help prevent the development of augmentation. The α2δ anticonvulsants may now also be considered as drugs of choice for moderate to severe RLS patients. Opioids should be considered for RLS patients, especially for those who have failed other therapies since they are very effective for severe cases. When monitored appropriately, they can be very safe and durable for long term therapy. They should also be strongly considered for treating patients with augmentation as they are very effective for relieving the worsening symptoms that occur when decreasing or eliminating dopamine agonists.
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Durmer JS, Quraishi GH. Restless legs syndrome, periodic leg movements, and periodic limb movement disorder in children. Pediatr Clin North Am 2011; 58:591-620. [PMID: 21600344 DOI: 10.1016/j.pcl.2011.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The characteristic symptoms of restless legs syndrome (RLS) have been known for hundreds of years and were first reported in medicine in the 1600s. Clinicians must consider potential mimics, comorbid, and associated conditions when evaluating children with RLS symptoms. The traditional differentiation of RLS from periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD) is noted in children as well as adults. Because current pediatric RLS research is sparse, this article provides the most up-to-date evidence-based as well as consensus opinion-based information on the subject of childhood RLS and PLMD. Prevalence, pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, and clinical associations are discussed.
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Primary Sleep Disorders and Paroxysmal Nocturnal Nonepileptic Events in Adults With Epilepsy From the Perspective of Sleep Specialists. J Clin Neurophysiol 2011; 28:120-40. [DOI: 10.1097/wnp.0b013e3182120fed] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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Kyung Lee E, Douglass AB. Sleep in psychiatric disorders: where are we now? CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY. REVUE CANADIENNE DE PSYCHIATRIE 2010; 55:403-12. [PMID: 20704767 DOI: 10.1177/070674371005500703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Although the precise function of sleep is unknown, decades of research strongly implicate that sleep has a vital role in central nervous system (CNS) restoration, memory consolidation, and affect regulation. Slow-wave sleep (SWS) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep have been of significant interest to psychiatrists; SWS because of its putative role in CNS energy recuperation and cognitive function, and REM sleep because of its suggested involvement in memory, mood regulation, and possible emotional adaptation. With the advent of the polysomnogram, researchers are now beginning to understand some of the consequences of disrupted sleep and sleep deprivation in psychiatric disorders. The same neurochemistry that controls the sleep-wake cycle has also been implicated in the pathophysiology of numerous psychiatric disorders. Thus it is no surprise that several psychiatric disorders have prominent sleep symptoms. This review will summarize normal sleep architecture, and then examine sleep abnormalities and comorbid sleep disorders seen in schizophrenia, as well as anxiety, cognitive, and substance abuse disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliott Kyung Lee
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
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Park YM, Lee HJ, Kang SG, Cho JH, Kim L. Resolution of pregabalin and mirtazapine associated restless legs syndrome by bupropion in a patient with major depressive disorder. Psychiatry Investig 2009; 6:313-5. [PMID: 20140131 PMCID: PMC2808802 DOI: 10.4306/pi.2009.6.4.313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2009] [Revised: 08/19/2009] [Accepted: 09/11/2009] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Bupropion is a selective norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor with no serotonergic activity, and is therefore an antidepressant with unique pharmacological properties. There are some reports that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or mirtazapine can induce adverse effects including restless legs syndrome (RLS) and that bupropion can reverse these adverse effects. Here, we report about a patient with a major depressive disorder who exhibited RLS after being treated with pregabalin and mirtazapine. This adverse effect disappeared after having switched from mirtazapine to bupropion. Bupropion inhibits the reuptake of dopamine and increases dopamine neurotransmission in both the nucleus accumbens and the prefrontal cortex. This pharmacological profile can be effective in patients with RLS related to dopamine hypoactivity. However, the limitations of this single case report mean that further investigations with larger samples are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-Min Park
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Inje University College of Medicine, Ilsan Paik Hospital, Goyang, Korea
| | - Heon-Jeong Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Anam Hosipital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Division of Brain Korea 21 Biomedical Science, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung-Gul Kang
- Department of Psychiatry, Anam Hosipital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jae-Hyuck Cho
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Inje University College of Medicine, Ilsan Paik Hospital, Goyang, Korea
| | - Leen Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Anam Hosipital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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DeMartinis NA, Kamath J, Winokur A. New approaches for the treatment of sleep disorders. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY 2009; 57:187-235. [PMID: 20230762 DOI: 10.1016/s1054-3589(08)57005-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Epidemiological studies have established that sleep disorders are common and often untreated. Besides having a negative impact on overall health, these conditions can significantly disrupt normal daily functions. While a number of drugs are employed in the treatment of sleep disorders, safety, tolerability, and variable efficacy limit their utility. Clinical developments in the area have been facilitated especially by advances in neurobiology and neuropharmacology. In this regard, a wide array of neuroactive substances has been found to be responsible for regulating sleep and wakefulness. Advances in the understanding of neurotransmitter and hormone receptor mechanisms and classifications have led to new opportunities for developing novel therapeutics for treating sleep disorders. Provided in this report is an overview of some of the more prevalent sleep disorders, including narcolepsy, insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, and restless legs syndrome, with a summary and critique of medications used to treat these conditions. For each disorder, information is provided on recent approaches taken to develop novel therapeutics based on laboratory findings relating to the underlying biological abnormalities associated with the condition, in addition to approaches that leverage existing therapeutics to develop new treatment options for patients. Significant advances in the future await a better understanding of the underlying pathophysiology of these conditions and of the neurobiological alterations associated with these disorders. It is hoped that some of the research directions described herein will stimulate additional research in this area and thereby help foster the discovery of novel agents for treating major sleep disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas A DeMartinis
- Neuroscience Research Unit, Pfizer, Inc., Eastern Point Rd., Groton, Connecticut 06340, USA
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