Treatment of restless legs syndrome with gabapentin

Clin Neuropharmacol. 1997 Apr;20(2):148-51. doi: 10.1097/00002826-199704000-00006.

Abstract

Gabapentin is a well tolerated anticonvulsant, structurally related to gamma-aminobutyric acid, with an unknown mechanism of action. Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a disorder characterized by sensory and motor symptoms in the legs that is best treated with dopaminergic drugs and opiates. In this open-label study, eight patients with RLS were treated with gabapentin. Four of the eight had a beneficial response, three with almost complete resolution of symptoms for up to 6 months. For a disorder that is often difficult to treat, these results are encouraging, and they suggest that a placebo-controlled trial is warranted.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Acetates / therapeutic use*
  • Aged
  • Amines*
  • Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use*
  • Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids*
  • Female
  • Gabapentin
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Restless Legs Syndrome / drug therapy*
  • Restless Legs Syndrome / physiopathology
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid*

Substances

  • Acetates
  • Amines
  • Anticonvulsants
  • Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
  • Gabapentin