Neurology

Restless Legs Syndrome: Iron and Dopamine

Urge to move the legs at rest, worse in the evening, is the RLS hallmark.

Healthlife Editorial Team

Medical writers

6 min read
Restless Legs Syndrome: Iron and Dopamine

Often familial. Iron deficiency (ferritin < 75) is a major treatable trigger.

Treatment

Iron supplementation when deficient, then alpha-2-delta ligands (gabapentin, pregabalin). Dopamine agonists risk augmentation with long-term use.

Antidepressants (SSRIs) and antihistamines commonly worsen RLS.

#Restless legs#Sleep