Restless legs



Background

Primary (idiopathic) disorder or related to:

  • Parkinson disease
  • Pregnancy
  • Iron deficiency anemia
  • Peripheral neuropathy (esp. uremic or diabetic)

Clinical

Symptoms

  • Restlessness and & sensory Δ → urge to move the limbs
  • During relaxation, particularly night-time

Investigations

  • Ferritin levels (GP, not EM)

Management

  • PO iron sulfate if ferritin ≤ 75 mcg/L (13.4 mcmol/L)
  • Non-ergot dopamine agonists:
    • Pramipexole (0.125-0.5 mg orally once daily) or
    • Ropinirole (0.25-4 mg orally 3 hours before bed)
  • Gabapentin (300mg OD)
  • Pregabalin (50mg q8h)
  • Slow-release oxycodone-naloxone in refractory


Content by Dr Azhar Khan 09/04/2024. Last review Dr ÍOS 9/04/24.