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Updated: Aug 24, 2026

Induction and Assessment of Levodopa-induced Dyskinesias in a Rat Model of Parkinson's Disease
Published on: October 14, 2021
Treatment of idiopathic restless legs syndrome (RLS) with slow-release valproic acid compared with slow-release
Ilonka Eisensehr1, Bruce L Ehrenberg, Silvia Rogge Solti
1Department of Neurology, University of Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377, Munich, Germany. eisen@nefo.med.uni-muenchen.de
Abstract:
We aimed to compare the efficacy of valproic acid (VPA) on paresthesias and sleep in RLS to that of levodopa (LD). Twenty patients with idiopathic restless legs syndrome (RLS) were treated with 600 mg slow-release VPA and 200 mg slow-release LD+50mg benserazid in a randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over, double-blind setting with polysomography (PSG) at the end of each 3-week treatment periods. There was no major difference between the efficacy of valproic acid or LD. Periodic leg movements in sleep (PLMS) and PLM arousal index (PLMAI) significantly decreased with LD (p < or= 0.005). However, LD, but not VPA, significantly increased arousals not associated with PLMS (p = 0.002). Decrease of intensity and duration of RLS symptoms were more pronounced with VPA (p < or= 0.022) than with LD (NS). We conclude that slow-release VPA provides a treatment alternative for RLS.
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