Ropinirole Treatment Considerations

Guidelines and Recommendations

• The American Academy of Sleep Medicine suggests against the standard use of dopamine agonists like ropinirole for Restless Legs Syndrome due to risk of augmentation with long-term use 1
• Alpha-2-delta ligands are now recommended as first-line therapy for Restless Legs Syndrome 1

Management of Augmentation

• Ropinirole use for Restless Legs Syndrome carries a risk of augmentation, characterized by worsening and earlier onset of symptoms in patients initially controlled on medication 2
• Management options for augmentation include taking medication doses earlier in the day or splitting existing doses into early evening and bedtime doses 2