Venlafaxine-Induced Restless Legs Syndrome

Abstract

Restless legs syndrome is a movement disorder characterized by complaints of a strong urge to move the legs predominantly during the periods of rest or inactivity. It is observed as a side effect related to the administration of antidepressants in 9% of patients. A case reporting restless legs syndrome symptoms associated with venlafaxine 75 mg/day is decribed. The patient was a 44-year-old woman affected by chronic migraine headaches with depressive symptoms. Her symptoms had began during a course of venlafaxine and resolved with its discontinuation. Based on this report, venlafaxine should be added to the list of agents that can induce restless legs syndrome.