Restless leg syndrome (RLS), also known as Willis-Ekbom disease, is a condition 
that includes sensations such as crawling, tingling, or aching in the limbs and 
creates an urge to move. The prevalence is estimated at 3% to 15% of the 
population and may present as primary RLS or secondary RLS. Secondary RLS may be 
a result of some medications, iron deficiency, or conditions such as 
neuropathies, or it may be related to pregnancy. The guidelines for diagnosis, 
which is usually made on clinical presentation, are discussed in the article. 
Medication use is not always necessary in the management of RLS. Multiple 
options are available and are reviewed within the article. Since 2011, two 
medications have been approved for the treatment of RLS, and these are discussed 
in detail. Neupro (rotigotine) is a dopamine agonist available as a patch that 
has been approved for the treatment of RLS as well as Parkinson disease. One of 
the major issues in treating RLS with dopamine agonists is augmentation, meaning 
symptoms occur earlier in the day due to medication use. This rate of 
augmentation with use of rotigotine is significantly lower than other dopamine 
agonists. Horizant (gabapentin enacarbil) is the only nondopaminergic medication 
approved for the treatment of RLS. Bioavailability is greater in gabapentin 
enacarbil as compared to gabapentin. Augmentation has not been associated with 
gabapentin or gabapentin enacarbil. Neupro (rotigotine) and Horizant (gabapentin 
enacarbil) provide additional treatment options for patients with RLS who are in 
need of medications. Consideration of each individual patient is necessary when 
determining if medication is needed and in choosing the appropriate agent.