Rasagaline - Parkinson Drug Effectual Against Restless Leg Syndrome

In a recent study, Rasagaline prescribed for Parkinson's disease is also accepted for treating restless leg syndrome (RLS) without causing any side effects.

Rasagaline works by prolonging the effect of dopamine, a chemical that transmits signals between nerve cells in the brain.

Parkinson’s Disease - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment
Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease caused by progressive dopamine brain cells loss. Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are correctable to an extent.

The cause of RLS is unknown, but research suggests a dopamine imbalance. Parkinson's is caused by a dopamine insufficiency.

"The hope is that Rasagaline, because it prolongs the effect of existing dopamine, instead of producing more, will not come with adverse side effects," said Dr. Shyamal Mehta, a neurologist and neuroscientist at Medical College of Georgia.

"We are trying to evaluate its safety and efficacy in treating RLS at this point. When it has been used to treat Parkinson's, it's been well-tolerated with few side effects," he added.

Sleep Disorder : Restless Legs Syndrome
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) causes - An urge to move, usually due to uncomfortable sensations that occur primarily in the legs.

Current RLS therapies include a group drugs that work by activating existing dopamine receptors, prompting the brain to make more dopamine.

Mehta said the problem is that those drugs usually come with adverse effects, because dopamine increases feelings of euphoria.

Epworth Sleepiness Scale
Measure your daytime sleepiness using this simple interactive tool, based on Epworth Sleepiness disorder Scale. Excessive Daytime Sleepiness is a type of hypersomnia characterized by persistent sleepiness and lack of energy.

"People taking those drugs often report behavioral problems like addiction, because the pleasure they get from things like shopping is multiplied," he said.

"They can cause impulse-control problems, like gambling or hypersexuality as well. They can also cause increased sleepiness and sudden sleep attacks, which can be quite disruptive and dangerous," he added.

Gene Linked With Restless Leg Syndrome Spotted Out
The first gene that is linked to Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), which is a common sleep disorder that affects millions of people worldwide.

Some reports also suggested decreased efficacy after extended use, as well as symptoms beginning earlier in the day.

Restless leg syndrome, which affects 10 percent of the population, is characterized by prickling or tingling in the legs and an urge to move the legs.

Symptoms are more noticeable at rest, such as during bedtime or a long car ride.

RLS can also cause depression and daytime sleepiness, and is linked to conditions including iron deficiency, renal failure, pregnancy and Parkinson's, said Mehta.

Source-ANI