Treatment of periodic leg movement disorder and restless leg syndrome with talipexole

Abstract
In order to investigate the bedtime dose of talipexole, a D2 and α2 stimulant, on patients with periodic leg movement disorder (PLMD) and restless leg syndrome (RLS), we made a comparison of polysomnographic findings and subjective symptom ratings before and during 4 weeks of the treatment on five cases with RLS and PLMD. A significant decrease in both the frequencies of periodic leg movements and subjective symptom ratings and significant improvement of sleep composition were recognized during the treatment. We speculate that the combination of the agonistic action of D2 and α2 receptor with the drug might not only suppress PLMD and RLS but also improve sleep quality.