Pregabalin for restless legs syndrome: A meta-analysis

ABSTRACT

@#Background & Objective: Various pharmacologic agents are currently being used to alleviate the symptoms of restless legs syndrome (RLS). The most commonly used drugs are dopaminergic agents, but due to augmentation, alternative medications like pregabalin are being studied. This study aims to determine the efficacy and safety of pregabalin compared to placebo in the treatment of sensory and/or motor symptoms of patients with RLS by examining and integrating previous randomized controlled trials done on the subject. Methods: A thorough search in international and local databases of available randomized controlled studies of pregabalin for primary RLS were done from January 1940 until August 2015. Results: There were 3,708 studies identified, 4 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. Three independent reviewers assessed the studies for eligibility. Pooled results showed significant difference in the change in the International Restless Legs Syndrome scale score of -4.47 (CI -6.11 – -2.83), improvement in Clinical Global Impressions responders, total sleep time, sleep efficiency, sleep quality, change in wake time after sleep onset, and number of awakenings, all favoring pregabalin compared to placebo. There is no significant difference in the quality of life for pregabalin when compared to placebo. Adverse events of dizziness, somnolence, headache, and dry mouth were significantly increased (RR 13.18, 7.21, 3.47, and 5.27 respectively) in the 551 participants of the pregabalin group.Conclusion: This meta-analysis indicates that pregabalin appears to be efficacious in the improvement of symptoms and sleep architecture of patients with RLS.