Which medication class is an example of alpha-2-delta calcium channel ligands used for restless legs syndrome?

Which medication class is an example of alpha-2-delta calcium channel ligands used for restless legs syndrome?

• A. Gabapentin
• B. Levodopa
• C. Amantadine
• D. Baclofen

Answer: (A)

This question tests knowledge of alpha-2-delta calcium channel ligands used for restless legs syndrome. Gabapentin is a gabapentinoid that binds the alpha-2-delta subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels, which lowers calcium influx into neurons and decreases the release of excitatory neurotransmitters. This dampens neural hyperexcitability that contributes to the uncomfortable sensations and urge to move in RLS. Notably, gabapentin is not acting through GABA receptors, even though it resembles a GABA analogue. Among the options, the others operate through different mechanisms: levodopa provides dopamine to treat Parkinson disease symptoms, amantadine has dopaminergic and antiviral effects, and baclofen activates GABA-B receptors to reduce spasticity. Therefore, the medication class that fits this description and is used for restless legs is the alpha-2-delta calcium channel ligands, with gabapentin being the representative example.

This question tests knowledge of alpha-2-delta calcium channel ligands used for restless legs syndrome. Gabapentin is a gabapentinoid that binds the alpha-2-delta subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels, which lowers calcium influx into neurons and decreases the release of excitatory neurotransmitters. This dampens neural hyperexcitability that contributes to the uncomfortable sensations and urge to move in RLS. Notably, gabapentin is not acting through GABA receptors, even though it resembles a GABA analogue.

Among the options, the others operate through different mechanisms: levodopa provides dopamine to treat Parkinson disease symptoms, amantadine has dopaminergic and antiviral effects, and baclofen activates GABA-B receptors to reduce spasticity. Therefore, the medication class that fits this description and is used for restless legs is the alpha-2-delta calcium channel ligands, with gabapentin being the representative example.