Question

First-line medications for restless legs syndrome:

a) Dopamine agonists (e.g., pramipexole, ropinirole)
b) Benzodiazepines (e.g., clonazepam)
c) Anticonvulsants (e.g., gabapentin, pregabalin)
d) Iron supplements

Answer 1

Dopamine agonists like pramipexole and ropinirole, anticonvulsants such as gabapentin and pregabalin, and iron supplements are primary treatments for Restless Legs Syndrome. Benzodiazepines like clonazepam are also used, especially in treating concurrent sleep disorders.

Step-by-step explanation:

The first-line medications for Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) include dopamine agonists such as pramipexole and ropinirole, which are closely related to the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's disease. These medications increase dopamine neurotransmission, which is beneficial in conditions like Parkinson's where there is a loss of dopaminergic neurons. Another class of medications used for RLS is anticonvulsants, for example, gabapentin and pregabalin, which are effective for many individuals. Iron supplements might also be recommended when RLS is associated with iron deficiency. Benzodiazepines like clonazepam can be prescribed, particularly for those with concurrent sleep disorders such as REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD), though this is generally not the first line of treatment for RLS alone. Clonazepam is administered to manage RBD symptoms and often supplemented with melatonin.