Journal of neurology
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Journal of neurology · Jun 2011
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyRopinirole improves depressive symptoms and restless legs syndrome severity in RLS patients: a multicentre, randomized, placebo-controlled study.
Comorbid depressive symptoms in restless legs syndrome (RLS) remain a treatment challenge, as some antidepressants aggravate RLS symptoms. Preliminary data in depressive patients suggest antidepressant properties of ropinirole. The present study investigates the effects of ropinirole immediate release (IR) on depressive symptoms and RLS severity. ⋯ Three out of four subdomains of the Medical Outcomes Study Sleep Scale improved significantly. The findings indicate that mild to moderate depressive symptoms should not be treated before sufficient therapy for RLS. Antidepressant medication can be necessary if depression symptoms still persist even if RLS symptoms are ameliorated.