Restless Legs Syndrome

Pharmacologic Therapy for Children with RLS

The typical first course of action in children with RLS is nonpharmacologic. Many affected children have mild symptoms and eventually may experience remission during adolescence; however, in such cases, RLS symptoms may recur in adulthood. Appropriate lifestyle changes including regular exercise, strict sleep hygiene, appropriate sleep routines, and dietary adjustments, such as restrictions on all caffeinated food and drinks, are usually recommended. Assessing serum ferritin levels in children will assist in identifying iron deficiency, which may lead to or exacerbate symptoms of RLS.70,69,98 If lifestyle interventions and supplementation are not effective, the use of appropriately age- and weight-adjusted dosages drugs might be cautiously considered. In some children with RLS and coexisting ADHD, such medications may effectively treat symptoms of both disorders.