Treating restless leg syndrome: the present and the future

Diego Garcia-Borreguero, MD, PhD, Sleep Research Institute, Madrid, Spain, shares an overview of the treatment landscape for restless leg syndrome (RLS). Currently, dopamine agonists are widely used for the treatment of RLS, including ropinirole, rotigotine, and pramipexole. However, pharmacological tolerance and dopamine augmentation frequently prevent their long-term use. Dr Garcia-Borreguero emphasizes the need for new therapeutic options in this space, highlighting several lines of research underway. Intravenous iron and Alpha-2-delta calcium channel ligands can be effective for RLS. Perampanel and dipyridamole are also promising non-dopaminergic agents in development. This interview took place at the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology congress 2021.