Restless Legs Syndrome in an Elderly Patient Induced by Combined Use of Low Dose Quetiapine and Citalopram

Abstract

Restless legs syndrome in an elderly patient induced by combined use of low dose quetiapine and citaloprann Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a relatively common sensory-motor disorder. However, it is frequently unrecognized. The main clinical characteristics of RLS are "an urge to move" and "uncomfortable and unpleasant sensations" in the legs, which can affect quality of daily life and sleep. The diagnosis is based on clinical findings. Polysomnography can reveal its impact on sleep physiology. Dopaminergic dysfunction and a change in the regulation of iron homeostasis leading to iron depletion in the central nervous system (CNS) are thought to be involved in the pathophysiology of RLS. The aim of this paper is to point out the side effects with off-label use of antipsychotics and call attention to often overlooked RLS by describing an elderly patient who developed RLS symptoms after addition of 50 mg/d quetiapine to preexisting 20 mg/d citalopram treatment.