Sleep medicine
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, short-term trial of ropinirole in restless legs syndrome.
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a condition characterized by an urge to move the legs, usually accompanied by lower limb paresthesias. These symptoms worsen at rest, are relieved by activity, and are worse at night. Previous studies have suggested that dopaminergic drugs such as L-dopa and dopamine agonists, as well as benzodiazepines and opioids, can treat RLS successfully. The purpose of this study was to test the clinical efficacy of ropinirole, a D2/D3 agonist, in the treatment of RLS in a double-blind, short-term, placebo-controlled clinical trial. ⋯ Ropinirole successfully treated long-standing RLS and can be considered a viable short-term treatment for this condition.