A new study finds the drug, pergolide, is effective and tolerable for long-term treatment of restless legs syndrome. Patients with restless legs syndrome have feelings of uneasiness, tiredness and itching deep in the muscle of the legs. The condition often occurs in the lower portion of the legs and is linked to many nervous system disorders.
Some patients also experience twitching and pain.
Researchers in Germany followed 28 patients one year after completing a previous study that examined the efficacy of the drug, pergolide. They found 22 of the 28 patients continued to take the drug and continued to show significant improvements. They found side effects, including nausea, were common but treatable with other medication in most patients. Researchers conclude that pergolide appears to be an effective treatment for at least one year for restless legs syndrome.