MEDizzy - A 53-year-old diabetic woman complained to her physician of

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Drugs for Degenerative Disorders of the Central Nervous System

A 53-year-old diabetic woman complained to her physician of a recent appearance of an unpleasant, creeping discomfort in her legs w hen she was lying down. The sensation urged the woman to move about, and walking relieved her symptoms. She also complained of difficulty falling asleep and interrupted nocturnal sleep. A preliminary diagnosis of restless leg syndrome was made, and a therapy was prescribed. Which of the following drugs would be most appropriate for the patient’s disorder?

ExplanationC Restless leg syndrome is characterized by abnormal motion and sometimes sensations in the legs that interfere with sleep. The disorder can occur in isolation but is m ore com m on during pregnancy, chronic renal or liver failure, iron deficiency anemia, or diabetes, as in this case. The cause of the disorder is unclear but m ay involve abnormalities in dopamine neurotransmission in the central nervous system . Numerous drugs have been used to treat the disorder, but only dopaminergic therapy is specific and is the preferred treatment for restless leg syndrome. Dopamine agonists such as pramipexole have replaced levodopa as a first-line therapy.