One of the most common treatments for restless legs syndrome can, in about a third of cases, wind up making the symptoms worse, warns respiratory and sleep physician Professor Brendon Yee from Sydney.

Dopaminergic therapy including dopamine agonists such as pramipexole (Sifrol) is widely used in people with severe restless legs syndrome and it is highly effective, working in about 80% of cases, Professor Yee said on a recent Healthed podcast.