Restless Leg Syndrome Associated with Atypical Antipsychotics: Current Status, Pathophysiology, and Clinical Implications

Title:Restless Leg Syndrome Associated with Atypical Antipsychotics: Current Status, Pathophysiology, and Clinical Implications

Volume: 10 Issue: 2

Author(s): Shilpa Aggarwal, Seetal Dodd and Michael Berk

Affiliation:

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Keywords: Atypical antipsychotic agents, dopamine, restless leg syndrome.

Abstract: Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a common disorder, frequently of unclear origin, which is often associated with significant distress. There are a few case reports of atypical antipsychotic agents (AAP) causing RLS. The pathophysiological mechanisms resulting in emergence of these movements suggest central dopaminergic dysfunction. Dopamine agonists and L-dopa reduce the symptoms of RLS, and some agents that block the dopaminergic system aggravate RLS. Genetic influences are implicated in RLS and an association between gene polymorphisms and antipyschotic-associated onset of RLS has been postulated. Greater awareness of potential causes of RLS, and its differentiation from akathisia and illness related agitation might help in reducing the distress associated with it and improving patient compliance in patients using atypical antipsychotic agents.

Cite this article as:

Aggarwal Shilpa, Dodd Seetal and Berk Michael, Restless Leg Syndrome Associated with Atypical Antipsychotics: Current Status, Pathophysiology, and Clinical Implications, Current Drug Safety 2015; 10(2) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1574886309666140527114159