Dopaminergic agents, particularly dopamine agonists, have
been used with increasing frequency in the treatment of restless legs syndrome
and periodic limb movement disorder. These evidence-based
practice parameters are complementary to the Practice Parameters for
the Treatment of Restless Legs Syndrome and Periodic Limb Movement
Disorder, published in 1999.1 These practice parameters were developed
by the Standards of Practice Committee and reviewed and approved by
the Board of Directors of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
Recommendations are based on the accompanying comprehensive
review of the medical literature regarding the dopaminergic treatment of
restless legs syndrome (RLS) and periodic limb movement disorder
(PLMD), which was developed by a task force commissioned by the
American Academy of Sleep Medicine. The following recommendations
serve as a guide to the appropriate use of dopaminergic agents in the
treatment of RLS and PLMD. Levodopa with decarboxylase inhibitor