Pramipexole for the treatment of restless legs syndrome

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common disorder that is estimated to affect 10% of Americans. However, it remains largely undiagnosed and untreated by clinicians. The primary symptoms of this condition are leg discomfort or an urge to move that is temporarily relieved by movement and is worse at rest and at bedtime. RLS impacts the quality of life of the sufferer by disrupting sleep and disturbing or curtailing work and social activities. Approximately 80% of RLS sufferers also have periodic limb movements during sleep, in which repetitive leg movements fragment sleep and may result in daytime drowsiness. RLS may be treated by dopaminergic agents, benzodiazepines, anticonvulsants and opiates; dopamine agonists are currently considered first-line therapy for this condition. Pramipexole has been studied in the treatment of RLS since 1998. This article reviews the role of this medication in the management of this serious neurological disorder.