Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago

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Since our last podcast on restless legs 2 years ago, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine has published new clinical guidelines and the Scientific and Medical Advisory Board of the Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation has revised their management algorithm.

These three podcasts update us on the changes in treatment of this common and distressing condition. In the second podcast, we discuss opioids, the control of ascites regarding dopaminergic therapy, and peroneal nerve stimulation.


00:00 Introduction to Mayo Clinic Sleep Medicine Podcasts
00:38 Introduction to Restless Legs Syndrome, Part 2
01:23 When Should Providers Move Beyond First-Line Therapy?
03:49 Role of Opioids in RLS: Safety, Efficacy, and Long-Term Data
06:30 Which Opioids to Use and What “Low Dose” Means
08:45 How to Use Buprenorphine for Restless Legs Syndrome
12:32 Opioid Side Effects and Prescribing Precautions
16:03 Dopamine Agonists: Controversies, Risks, and Appropriate Use
20:37 Peroneal Nerve Stimulation for RLS
23:31 Dipyridamole: Evidence and Role in Treatment
24:46 Closing Remarks & Preview of Part 3