Could a drug for addiction help restless legs sufferers?

NCT ID NCT04145674

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.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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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.

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.

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