Can a restless legs drug ease opioid withdrawal?

NCT ID NCT04759703

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether pramipexole (Mirapex), a drug for restless legs syndrome, could also reduce symptoms of opioid withdrawal in people with opioid use disorder. The trial planned to enroll 75 adults but was terminated early. Researchers measured changes in restless legs severity and withdrawal scores after two weeks.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

Pramipexole (Mirapex)

What this could lead to

If it worked, this could point toward a way to reduce restless legs and withdrawal symptoms, helping people stay in treatment for opioid use disorder.

What could go wrong

This was a small pilot study that was terminated early, so results are limited. It is unclear if pramipexole is effective or safe for this use.

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.

opiate dependence restless legs syndrome sleep disorder sleep-wake disorder substance withdrawal syndrome

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Gavin Foundation Clinical Stabilization Services

    Quincy, Massachusetts, 02170, United States

  • Massachusetts General Hospital

    Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States