Study Confirms Parkinson's Drugs Can Stimulate Problem Gambling
A new study showed that drugs prescribed as treatment for Parkinson's disease may cause compulsive behavior in patients, including problem gambling. Dopamine agonists used to quell symptoms of both Parkinson's and restless leg syndrome may result in compulsive gambling among other impulse actions, the survey found.Neurologists working at the Mayo Clinic examined the records of 267 Parkinson's patients treated at the clinic, of whom 38 were taking the drug in sufficient dosages to be effective therapy. Of the patients on agonists, seven developed uncontrollable impulsive behavior, including gambling and hypersexuality.
Of the 178 patients taking other forms of drug treatment, none experienced the same symptoms. Neither did the 28 who were taking agonists in minor dosages.
A mass of anecdotal evidence has arisen that patients around the US have reacted to dopamine agonists with compulsive behavior, including reckless and irresistible gambling impulses.
Several lawsuits are pending against pharmaceutical companies manufacturing these drugs. Charges have been made that the drug companies hid the side effects and did not warn patients of the possible consequences of the medication.
"It is crucial for clinicians prescribing dopamine agonists to apprise patients as well as their spouses or partners about this potential side effect," said Dr. J. Eric Ahiskog. "The onset can be insidious and overlooked until life-altering problems develop."
Many who took the drug have testified they found themselves gambling away life savings while in treatment, only to find their urge to visit casinos and indulge at gaming gone as soon as the drug was withheld.
