Abstract

Dopamine functions not only as a precursor to norepinephrine but also as a neurotransmitter closely linked to various neurological and psychiatric conditions. The dopaminergic pathways play a central role in regulating cognition and behavior in humans. Dopamine agonists (DA), which are dopaminergic drugs, are commonly used as first-line treatment for managing Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) because they target the disrupted iron metabolism affecting dopamine neurotransmission in the brain’s subcortical regions. However, patients with RLS who undergo long-term treatment with dopamine agonists often develop impulse control disorders (ICDs), a side effect of this drug class that alters neuronal signaling related to reward anticipation. The daily fluctuation of dopamine levels, combined with the use of dopamine agonists, may explain the coexistence of RLS and nighttime compulsive behaviors in patients with Parkinson’s Disease (PD). In some cases, RLS and ICD-related behaviors may be two sides of the same coin: RLS requires dopamine therapy, while ICDs arise from an excess of dopamine.