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.
Keywords: Atypical antipsychotic agents, dopamine, restless leg syndrome.
Current Drug Safety
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:
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.
Export Options
About this article
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
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1574886309666140527114159 |
Print ISSN 1574-8863 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 2212-3911 |

- Author Guidelines
- Bentham Author Support Services (BASS)
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
Related Articles
-
Current Management and Treatment of Cerebral Vasospasm Complicating SAH
CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets Hidden Hunger of Vitamin E among Healthy College Students: A Cross- Sectional Study
Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Disorders - Drug Targets Stem Cells Derived from Human Exfoliated Deciduous Teeth (SHED) in Neuronal Disorders: A Review
Current Stem Cell Research & Therapy Minocycline and Doxycycline: More Than Antibiotics
Current Molecular Pharmacology Neuromodulators and Therapeutic Targets in Neuropathic Pain: From Molecules to Man
CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets Neuropsychiatric Involvement in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus:Current Therapeutic Approach
Current Pharmaceutical Design Recent Updates of N-Type Calcium Channel Blockers with Therapeutic Potential for Neuropathic Pain and Stroke
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry Therapeutic Prospects for Parathyroid Hormone and Parathyroid Hormone Analogs
Current Medicinal Chemistry - Immunology, Endocrine & Metabolic Agents Contrast Functions of αA- and αB-Crystallins in Cancer Development
Current Molecular Medicine Possible Role of BDNF-Induced Microglial Intracellular Ca<sup>2+</sup> Elevation in the Pathophysiology of Neuropsychiatric Disorders
Mini-Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry Adult Neurogenesis and Drug Therapy
Central Nervous System Agents in Medicinal Chemistry Relationship Between Na<sup>+</sup>, K<sup>+</sup>-ATPase and NMDA Receptor at Central Synapses
Current Protein & Peptide Science Recent Advances and Strategies in Tumor Vasculature Targeted Nano-Drug Delivery Systems
Current Pharmaceutical Design Metabolic Aspects of Prion Diseases: An Overview
Current Drug Targets Galanin/GALP Receptors and CNS Homeostatic Processes
CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets Dietary Intakes and Food Habits of Wheelchair Basketball Athletes Compared to Gym Attendees and Individuals who do not Practice Sport Activity
Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Disorders - Drug Targets GCH1, BH4 and Pain
Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Monoclonal Antibodies in the Treatment of Neuroimmunological Diseases
Current Pharmaceutical Design Upregulation of Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 3 in Microglia by Cinnamic Acid
Current Alzheimer Research Chemokines and Chemokine Receptors: Potential Therapeutic Targets in Multiple Sclerosis
Current Drug Targets - Inflammation & Allergy