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LONDON – Treatments commonly prescribed for Parkinson’s disease and restless legs syndrome (RLS) have been linked to unexpected and potentially harmful side effects, including risky sexual behavior and pathological gambling, according to a recent BBC investigation.
While headaches and nausea are well-known side effects of many medications, the emergence of impulse-control disorders associated with dopamine-receptor agonists, a class of drugs used to treat these movement disorders, has raised serious concerns.
Parkinson’s disease, a degenerative condition affecting over 150,000 people in the UK, and RLS, affecting 5-10% of the population, are both associated with imbalances in dopamine, a neurotransmitter crucial for movement and reward processing. Dopamine-receptor agonists, such as cabergoline, ropinirole, bromocriptine, and pramipexole, work by increasing dopamine levels in the brain, alleviating symptoms like tremors and restless legs.
However, this increase in dopamine can also lead to heightened feelings of pleasure and reward, potentially triggering impulsive behaviors. These behaviors include hypersexuality, pathological gambling, compulsive shopping, and binge eating.
Reports have surfaced of individuals experiencing drastic changes in behavior after starting these medications. For instance, a 53-year-old woman developed compulsive sexual behaviors and excessive shopping, while a 32-year-old man lost his life savings due to compulsive gambling and binge eating.
Initially, these impulse-control disorders were considered rare side effects. However, growing evidence and regulatory scrutiny have revealed a more significant risk. The UK’s Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) issued warnings as early as 2007, emphasizing that these behaviors could be dose-related. Studies suggest that between 6% and 17% of RLS patients and up to 20% of Parkinson’s patients taking dopamine agonists may develop impulse-control disorders, though the true figures may be higher due to underreporting.
The issue has led to numerous lawsuits against pharmaceutical companies, including GlaxoSmithKline and Pfizer, alleging a failure to adequately warn patients about these potential side effects. In 2012, a French court ordered GlaxoSmithKline to pay damages to a patient who experienced “devastating side effects” from their Parkinson’s drug. In 2014, Pfizer settled a class-action lawsuit in Australia regarding their drug Cabaser, with plaintiffs claiming they were not informed of the risks of increased gambling, sex addiction, and other high-risk behaviors.
Currently, patient information leaflets for these medications include warnings about potential impulsive behaviors. Furthermore, the MHRA has recently issued warnings regarding pathological gambling linked to the antipsychotic drug aripiprazole, which also acts as a dopamine-receptor agonist.
It is crucial to note that not everyone taking these medications will experience these side effects. Patients are advised to thoroughly read the information leaflet provided with their medication and to discuss any concerns or changes in behavior with their doctor or pharmacist immediately.
Disclaimer: This news article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individuals with Parkinson’s disease or restless legs syndrome should consult with their healthcare provider to discuss their treatment options and any potential risks associated with their medication. Always seek professional medical advice for any health concerns.
