Pfizer’s Lyrica shown to effectively treat restless leg syndrome

Pfizer's multipurpose drug Lyrica has been shown in a new study to be a potentially beneficial therapy option for patients with restless leg syndrome (RLS).

Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital have assessed the long-term effects of dopaminergic drugs, which are commonly used to treat RLS, and found they can often cause a serious worsening of the condition in some patients.

By contrast, Lyrica – also known as pregabalin – was shown to be effective in reducing RLS symptoms and was much less likely to cause symptom worsening than another commonly-prescribed RLS therapy.

Currently, Pfizer's drug is not approved for use in this indication. It is used in the treatment of fibromyalgia, diabetic nerve pain, spinal cord injury nerve pain and pain after shingles.

Senior author Dr John Winkelman of the Massachusetts General Hospital Department of Psychiatry said: "Our key finding is that dopaminergic drugs, while very effective for many people with RLS, can worsen symptoms in some patients over time, while non-dopaminergic pregabalin is not associated with this disturbing side effect."

This study will also help to educate medical professionals on the long-term risk/benefit profile of RLS therapies.