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01-06-2011 | Original Communication

Ropinirole improves depressive symptoms and restless legs syndrome severity in RLS patients: a multicentre, randomized, placebo-controlled study

Authors: Heike Benes, Wolfgang Mattern, Ines Peglau, Tillmann Dreykluft, Lars Bergmann, Corinna Hansen, Ralf Kohnen, Norbert Banik, S. W. Schoen, Magdolna Hornyak

Published in: Journal of Neurology | Issue 6/2011

Abstract

Comorbid depressive symptoms in restless legs syndrome (RLS) remain a treatment challenge, as some antidepressants aggravate RLS symptoms. Preliminary data in depressive patients suggest antidepressant properties of ropinirole. The present study investigates the effects of ropinirole immediate release (IR) on depressive symptoms and RLS severity. A multicenter, placebo-controlled, double-blind randomized (3:1) study was performed including patients with moderate to severe idiopathic RLS and at least mild depressive symptoms. Ropinirole IR (in flexible doses up to 4 mg/day) or placebo was given for 12 weeks including an uptitration phase of 7 weeks. Visits were scheduled at screening, baseline, and weeks 1, 4, and 12 with additional telephone contacts for dosing decisions. The modified intent to treat population comprised 231 patients (171 ropinirole, 60 placebo). The MADRS (Montgomery–Asberg Depression Rating Scale) scores decreased from baseline to week 12 from 18.8 to 8.7 in the ropinirole group and from 18.4 to 12.1 in the placebo group (primary endpoint, adjusted mean treatment difference −3.6 (95% CI: −5.6 to −1.6, significance in favor of ropinirole: P < 0.001). The superiority of ropinirole compared to placebo was confirmed by the Hamilton Scale for Depression and Beck Depression Inventory-II scores. RLS severity scores (IRLS) decreased by 14.7 (ropinirole) and by 9.9 (placebo, P < 0.001) points. Three out of four subdomains of the Medical Outcomes Study Sleep Scale improved significantly. The findings indicate that mild to moderate depressive symptoms should not be treated before sufficient therapy for RLS. Antidepressant medication can be necessary if depression symptoms still persist even if RLS symptoms are ameliorated.

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Title: Ropinirole improves depressive symptoms and restless legs syndrome severity in RLS patients: a multicentre, randomized, placebo-controlled study
Authors: Heike Benes
Wolfgang Mattern
Ines Peglau
Tillmann Dreykluft
Lars Bergmann
Corinna Hansen
Ralf Kohnen
Norbert Banik
S. W. Schoen
Magdolna Hornyak
Publication date: 01-06-2011
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Journal of Neurology / Issue 6/2011
Print ISSN: 0340-5354
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1459
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-010-5879-7

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Ropinirole improves depressive symptoms and restless legs syndrome severity in RLS patients: a multicentre, randomized, placebo-controlled study

Abstract

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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