Restless leg syndrome associated with olanzapine: a case series

• Published in: Current drug safety Vol. 5; no. 2; p. 129
• Main Authors: Aggarwal, Shilpa, Dodd, Seetald, Berk, Michael
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United Arab Emirates 01-04-2010
• Subjects: Adult; Antipsychotic Agents - adverse effects; Antipsychotic Agents - therapeutic use; Benzodiazepines - adverse effects; Dopamine Agents - therapeutic use; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Restless Legs Syndrome - chemically induced; Restless Legs Syndrome - diagnosis; Restless Legs Syndrome - drug therapy
• ISSN: 2212-3911
• DOI: 10.2174/157488610790936187

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a common disorder associated with significant distress. We report three cases of drug induced RLS caused by olanzapine. In each case, RLS commenced after initiation of treatment with olanzapine and resolved after ceasing olanzapine. All three patients were subsequently treated with other atypical antipsychotics, risperidone, quetiapine or aripiprazole, without re-emergence of RLS. RLS is associated with central dopaminergic dysfunction. Dopamine agonists and L-dopa reduce the symptoms of RLS, and some agents that block the dopaminergic system aggravate RLS. 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.