Pramipexole reduces sleep disturbance in RLS

New study data show that German drug major Boehringer Ingelheim's pramipexole (Mirapexin/Sifrol) can significantly reduce sleep disturbance, often the most troublesome symptom experienced by people with restless legs syndrome, according to findings presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology, in Chicago. Luigi Ferini-Strambi, lead author of the study, noted: "most people with RLS who seek medical advice have often suffered for a long time from sleep deprivation due to the impact of RLS. To feel the benefit of a simple, effective treatment, right from the start, is a huge step forward for these patients. Beyond enabling them to sit comfortably through an evening, they can look forward to a night of sleep without being disturbed by the uncontrollable urge to move their legs. For many people with RLS, this means that they can finally start regaining quality of life."

In the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in adults with scores greater than 15 on the International RLS Study Group Rating Scale and symptoms at least two to three times per week, improvements were assessed based on the Medical Outcomes Study sleep scale. Sleep disturbance scores for the patient group treated with pramipexole were reduced from 52.5 to 27.8 after 12 weeks from baseline compared to 55.6 to 38.5 in the placebo group (p=0.0001). The pramipexole-treated group reaching a near to normal level, and in some instances already after the first night of treatment (a score of 24.5 is considered normal).