You've probably seen those TV commercials for Requip (ropinirole), the first drug approved to treat "restless leg syndrome", a condition whose signature feature is creepy-crawly leg sensations that interfere with sleep and rest in nearly 1 of every 10 adults.

But if taken too long, the drug can actually backfire, causing symptoms to worsen, say doctors who specialize in treating the condition. At this point, you can't just up the dose. The drug is part of the problem. They say that treatment that rotates through different types of medications may be needed for many patients

In the wake of FDA approval for Requip and Mirapex (pramipexole), along with the attendant heavy advertising, It's important for both primary care physicians and patients alike to understand the risks of relying on these medications for too long.