A large review of past studies looked at how different medicines help restless legs in adults on dialysis. The main finding was that these treatments, including gabapentinoids and iron, significantly improved restless legs symptoms. Patients saw their symptom scores drop by a good amount, meaning they felt better.
The review also found that sleep quality and overall quality of life got better for patients taking these medicines. However, the treatments did not change how well the dialysis worked. The studies included over 1,300 patients, giving a solid look at the effects.
Some medicines had more side effects than others. Dopaminergic agents helped but caused more problems. Iron therapy was seen as a good choice because it helped and was well-tolerated. The review could not fully study traditional Chinese medicines due to a lack of standard data.
This information is helpful for doctors and patients deciding on treatment. It shows that Western medicines are effective, but choosing the right one is key to managing side effects.