Restless legs syndrome induced by quetiapine: report of seven cases and review of the literature

Abstract

We report on seven cases of restless legs syndrome (RLS) in patients treated with quetiapine. Small doses (50–250 mg at bedtime) provoked RLS in a dose-dependent way. Most patients suffered from an affective disorder and all were treated concomitantly with antidepressants. A search of the literature revealed a further nine cases of RLS concerning quetiapine, also afflicting only patients with affective disorders. Quetiapine seems to carry a special risk for RLS in this sort of patient. Possible causes for this concurrence are discussed.