Restless Leg Syndrome Associated with Olanzapine: A Case Series

Title: Restless Leg Syndrome Associated with Olanzapine: A Case Series

Volume: 5 Issue: 2

Author(s): Shilpa Aggarwal, Seetal Dodd and Michael Berk

Affiliation:

Keywords: Restless legs syndrome, olanzapine

Abstract: 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.

Cite this article as:

Aggarwal Shilpa, Dodd Seetal and Berk Michael, Restless Leg Syndrome Associated with Olanzapine: A Case Series, Current Drug Safety 2010; 5 (2) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/157488610790936187