Current and emerging pharmaceutical strategies for the treatment and management of restless legs syndrome.

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a sensory-motor sleep disorder that affects up to 13% of adults in the Western world and 2-4% of children. It impairs night sleep with an impact on daily performances and life quality. Thus, moderate-to-severe RLS requires pharmacological treatment. In the present review, which is based on PubMed searches with no time limits, the authors discuss the recommended pharmacotherapy for RLS in addition to other emerging treatment options. The authors provide coverage to the current recommendations for both adults and pediatric patients with RLS. Current evidence suggests removing all causes of secondary RLS, including iron deficiency, chronic renal failure, drugs, and treating other sleep disorders that may worsen symptoms. Also, intermittent RLS should be addressed with behavioral measures and on-demand therapy. For chronic persistent RLS, α