Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) in the treatment of restless legs syndrome: Rationale and case report

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common, sleep-related, neurological disorder. Various treatments are available but some have side effects. Therefore, alternative treatment options with minimal side effects are being actively sought. Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is an endogenous lipid signalling molecule known to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. According to the literature, oral PEA supplementation can decrease the levels of pain associated with central and peripheral neurological conditions, such as migraine and peripheral neuropathy. For the first time, we report of a gabapentin-treated patient whose painful symptoms of RLS decreased in intensity following the initiation of supplementation with PEA. No adverse events were reported.