0559 Prevalence of Cannabis Use in Patients with Restless Leg Syndrome for Symptomatic Relief

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Restless leg syndrome (RLS) can be debilitating and have a significant negative impact on sleep. Most patients respond well to dopamine agonists, alpha 2 delta ligands, iron supplementation, and opioids. Some patients report persistent symptoms despite using recommended therapies. Methods We investigated the prevalence of cannabis use and its potential therapeutic effects in patients with RLS through a retrospective chart review over a three-year period. All patients with diagnosis of RLS and cannabis/marijuana use listed in the electronic health record were included. Data was collected from each patient's chart pertaining to the prevalence of cannabis use including method of use and frequency, patient demographics, use of certain medications, and whether they found symptom relief when using cannabis. Results 41 patients were identified who has a diagnosis of RLS and cannabis use. 25 of 41 (61%) were using medical marijuana and 8 of 41 (20%) were using marijuana recreationally. 12 of 41 (29.3%) patients found overall relief in their sleep while 4 (9.7%) patients did not and 25 (61%) patients we were unable to determine through chart review.Among the patients who were using medial marijuana, 5 patients were using it for pain and insomnia, 4 patients were using it for RLS, and 4 patients were using it for anxiety. 3 out of 4 (75%) patients who were using medical marijuana for RLS reported regular use. 3 of the patients inhaled cannabis while the remaining patient used an ointment containing cannabis. 2 of the 4 (50%) found symptom relief of RLS when using medical marijuana. 1 patient did not find relief with marjiuana but found relief when using Methadone instead. The remaining 3 patients also used Gabapentin and 2 of the 3 (67%) patients found symptom relief with the addition of a dopamine agonist. Conclusion Patients with RLS may use Cannabis for symptomatic relief. We believe this association should be recognized by sleep physicians and documented when conducting their patient's history. Support (If Any)