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| |  Pergolide May Help People With Restless Leg Syndrome ST. PAUL, MN -- Dec. 21, 1998 -- People with restless leg syndrome may sleep easier with the help of the generic drug pergolide, according to a study in this months’ issue of the journal Neurology. Uncomfortable sensations in the legs make it difficult for patients with restless leg syndrome to fall asleep. Once asleep, leg movements often awaken patients. "It's disabling when people can't sleep and wake up feeling exhausted every day," said study author and neurologist Christopher Earley, MD, PhD, of Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center in Baltimore, MD. "Pergolide controls the number of leg movements during sleep and this allows patients and even their bed partners to wake up feeling better rested." Researchers studied 16 people with moderate to severe restless leg syndrome. Eight patients were given pergolide and the remainder received a placebo. Researchers rated improvement by using a test to measure sleep patterns and leg movements during sleep. In addition, patients rated their overall improvement. Patients on pergolide reported a 61 percent improvement. The placebo group reported a 19 percent improvement. Pergolide reduced leg movements by approximately 34 percent and this helped improve sleep, Earley explained. Pergolide also reduces daytime symptoms of restless leg syndrome. "By taking this drug, people can sit comfortably for longer periods of time," Earley said. "Imagine the difference pergolide can make for people with sit-down jobs and for those who relax by sitting down to watch a movie or read a book." The drug levodopa is commonly used to treat restless leg syndrome. However, levodopa cannot relieve symptoms through the night and the drug loses its effectiveness after long-term use. Because levodopa is metabolised in the brain as dopamine, researchers looked for another drug with similar properties to treat restless leg syndrome. Pergolide mimics the actions of dopamine in the brain and maintains its effectiveness throughout the night. Future research will study the long-term effectiveness of pergolide. Restless leg syndrome affects up to 15 percent of Americans. The disorder causes a prickly, tingly or crawling sensation in the legs that is relieved by movement.
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