Ropinirole: improved symptoms, QOL in restless legs syndrome

The selective dopamine D₂ receptor agonist ropinirole [ReQuip] provides long-term symptom control and improved quality of life (QOL) in patients with restless legs syndrome (RLS), according to a study presented at the 56th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Neurology [San Francisco, US; April−May 2004]. A second study presented at the meeting confirmed the short-term efficacy of ropinirole in RLS. Furthermore, a pooled analysis of data from three studies showed that treatment with ropinirole had a beneficial effect on sleep.