Hi Guys,
I had read about Dr Ondo's research for augmentation in the past.
Since I was up thinking about all this, I tried to find what happened to that study and here is the link for the same. Now I'm not entirely able to understand the result but from the looks of it, it does seem some progress which could be some serious *good* news for us. Let me know what you think.
An interesting article, well spotted. On occasion I have been employed specifically because of my (hopefully healthy) scepticism. However I usually try to offer "positive sandwiches".
POSITIVE it's great that such research is being carried out to deal with the demon augmentation. DAs, ( so far) do appear to be the most effective first line treatment for RLS. Eliminating the augmentation they cause would be a great step forward.
NEGATIVE. I confess to being pedantic and have also to admit that this article is not intended to be read by the lay public, which, not so negative really, is why it it's use of jargon, undefined abbreviations and examples of poor grammar is acceptable. I am particularly impressed by "6 week/arm, 2 week wash-out crossover trial".
More technically, this was a very small scale, very short term trial which suggests that overlooking its reliability even if Ecopipam is effective treatment for augmentation, it says little about it's long term effects. DA s presumably thought to be a miracle cure for RLS, It was presumably only after years that the demon was discovered.
Of particular note is the mention of Clinical Global Impressions, presumably later referred to as CGI. ( not computer generated images?)
Apparently, no significant efficacy was noted by the subjects taking the drug, subjective impressions, i.e. the experience of the RLS sufferers. No detail is given of what a CGI actually is and how it's scored. It may be the impression of the researchers. If that's the case, then this article seems to be saying, the subjects felt the drug made no difference but the researchers did. Objective?
Note that subjects still took their DA, which treated their RLS, Ecopipam doesn't, Ecopipam is claimed only to alleviate Augmentation. Hence RLS sufferers have to take 2 drugs instead of one. It might be better to research treatments which relieve RLS without causing augmentation or other side effects.
POSITIVE The article does suggest further study is needed, this was is only exploratory. Hopefully it will.lead to determining the efficacy and safety of using Ecopipam alongside a DA as a long term treatment for RLS
I havent read the article before, BUT knew there were trials done for this med for Augmentation from the DA's. The fact it hasnt been taken forward for a bigger trial which would give a better outcome of it working, isnt hopeful. Could be one of many reasons.
An update
Appointment today update 
Some more advice please 
Dipyridamole further update
