Improvement of restless legs syndrome by varenicline as antismoking treatment

J Clin Sleep Med. 2013 Oct 15;9(10):1089-90. doi: 10.5664/jcsm.3092.

Abstract

Varenicline is a partial agonist at the α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor effective as smoking cessation pharmacotherapy. We present a familial case of severe restless legs syndrome (RLS) resistant to polytherapy who showed a consistent and effective amelioration of RLS symptoms after introduction of varenicline as antismoking drug.

Keywords: Restless legs syndrome; nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist; varenicline.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Benzazepines / therapeutic use*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Nicotinic Agonists / therapeutic use*
  • Patient Satisfaction
  • Quinoxalines / therapeutic use*
  • Restless Legs Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Restless Legs Syndrome / drug therapy*
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Varenicline

Substances

  • Benzazepines
  • Nicotinic Agonists
  • Quinoxalines
  • Varenicline