J Sleep Med.  2021 Dec;18(3):162-166. 10.13078/jsm.210018.

Efficacy of Oxcarbazepine for Sleep-Related Leg Cramps: A Retrospective Study

• Ahn SJ
• Shin YW
• Jung KY

• KMID: 2523930
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.13078/jsm.210018

Abstract

Objectives
Sleep-related leg cramps (SRLC) are common among older people. Severe clinical symptoms of SRLC usually cause great discomfort to patients. To date, many treatment drugs have been tried; however, there are currently no drugs approved for treating this condition. We aimed to assess the efficacy of a new drug, oxcarbazepine (OXC), in the treatment of SRLC.
Methods
We retrospectively analyzed clinical outcomes following OXC administration. A daily dose of 150 mg OXC was prescribed to control nocturnal leg cramps. Clinical outcomes were measured using the Clinical Global Impression Scale to confirm the effectiveness of OXC.
Results
A total of 88.9% (16/18) of patients clinically improved four weeks after OXC prescription, and 94% (15/16) of patients continued to improve at the last follow-up (3–6 months). None of the patients complained of side effects related to 150 mg OXC.
Conclusions
OXC may be a new medical option for treatment of SRLC.