Dopamine agonists (such as pramipexole) are effective for restless legs syndrome, but with long-term use they can cause augmentation, in which symptoms appear earlier in the day or spread to other parts of the body. In this situation, raising the dose tends to give diminishing returns, creating a vicious cycle.

Herbal Clinic Perspective

Korean medicine serves to complement rather than replace dopamine medication. By fundamentally replenishing blood deficiency and kidney yin deficiency with formulas in the Samul-tang plus Yukmijihwang-tang family, and improving lower-limb circulation with acupuncture at points such as Sanyinjiao (SP6) and Zusanli (ST36), a foundation is built that allows dopamine medication to be gradually reduced. Current medication is never stopped abruptly but adjusted in stages.