Could a drug for addiction help restless legs sufferers?

NCT ID NCT04145674

Terminated Symptom relief Sponsor: Mauro Manconi Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This phase 2 trial tests whether d-methadone, a drug related to methadone, can ease symptoms of moderate to very severe restless legs syndrome (RLS). About 50 adults with RLS will take either d-methadone or a placebo daily for 30 days. The goal is to see if it reduces leg discomfort and improves sleep, which are major problems for people with RLS.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: d-methadone (esmethadone, dextromethadone, REL-1017)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a new treatment option for restless legs syndrome that improves sleep and quality of life.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase trial with only 50 participants. The study is currently suspended, and it's unknown if d-methadone will prove effective or safe for this condition.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

restless legs syndrome

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

RESTLESS LEGS SYNDROME

Contacts and locations

Locations

Neurologie / Schlaflabor Kantonsspital Graubünden

Chur, 7000, Switzerland
Schlaf-Wach-Epilepsie Zentrum, Inselspital

Bern, Switzerland
Sleep Center, IRCCS San Raffaele

Milan, Italy
Sleep Center, Neurocenter of Southern Switzerland

Lugano, 6900, Switzerland

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