Drug-Induced Restless Legs Syndrome.

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Neurology
• Medical Literature Review

Background:

• Restless legs syndrome (RLS) affects 3% to 19% of the general population.
• RLS has numerous predisposing factors and potential underlying causes.
• An increasing body of evidence suggests a link between various medications and RLS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a comprehensive literature review on drug-induced restless legs syndrome (DI-RLS).
• To identify drug classes and specific agents associated with DI-RLS.
• To synthesize current knowledge on the etiology and prevalence of DI-RLS.

Main Methods:

• Systematic search of English-language literature from 1966 to December 2017.
• Databases searched include MEDLINE, PubMed, and Ovid.
• Inclusion of case reports, case series, and review articles; limited controlled trials.

Main Results:

• Antidepressants, antipsychotics, and antiepileptics are frequently implicated in DI-RLS.
• Several other drugs and drug classes are also associated with DI-RLS.
• RLS may be exacerbated by underlying disorders or predisposing factors.

Conclusions:

• A significant association exists between numerous drugs and the development or exacerbation of RLS.
• Understanding drug-induced RLS is crucial given its variable prevalence.
• Further research, including controlled trials, may be needed to clarify specific drug risks.