Rotigotine patch treatment for restless legs syndrome

Transdermal rotigotine significantly reduced symptoms of moderate to severe restless legs syndrome (RLS) in two 6-month trials.

• Rotigotine dosages of 1-3 mg/24 h and 2-3 mg/24 h led to a greater decrease in the International RLS Study Group Severity Rating Scale score compared to placebo.
• Over 50% of patients receiving rotigotine were categorized as treatment responders based on symptom severity ratings.
• Long-term improvements in RLS symptoms were maintained with rotigotine according to a 3-year open-label extension trial.
• Transdermal rotigotine was generally well tolerated among participants in clinical trials and extension studies.
• There was a low risk of symptom intensification (augmentation) associated with rotigotine, though more research is needed on this aspect.

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