Tag: Dopamine

Patients say that dopamine antagonist drugs are linked to gambling and other addictions. Patients in the UK report that medication prescribed to treat movement disorders led them into serious addictions such as gambling, sexual behavior, or compulsive buying. They claim that their doctors did not warn them of these dangers. Over 250 other people have told similar tales. These include police officers, nurses and doctors as well as a director of risk at a bank. The majority of them say that they did not have a history of addiction before beginning treatment. The Story of One Woman Who Lost PS30,000 Emma developed Restless Legs Syndrome during pregnancy. Ropinirole is a GSK dopamine-agonist that was prescribed by doctors. She began spending money and gambling excessively within months. The urges were uncontrollable, she says. She says, "It felt like I was being controlled by something." She lost more than PS30,000 in a single year. Her husband only found out about the link when he looked up her medications online. She claims that when she went to her GP with her gambling problem and medication usage, the doctor didn't make the connection. Emma asked later to alter her prescription. The financial damage was already done. She claims that it will take many years for her to pay off the debt. What are dopamine antagonists? These drugs are used to treat Parkinson's and Restless Legs Syndrome. These drugs stimulate dopamine production in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that helps to control the movement of the body, as well as driving motivation and rewards. Some people become impulsive when dopamine levels increase too high. One in six Parkinson's sufferers who take these drugs have some sort of impulsive disorder. This side effect is very common. Many patients claim that the leaflets don't clearly describe how serious or specific this behavior can get. Some warning leaflets refer to impulse control issues in general but don't describe extreme gambling or pornography as addictions. Life, marriages and careers are affected Patients report devastating consequences. Patients report devastating consequences. Others began to invest recklessly. Some people began to make reckless investments. After starting this medication, several older women claim that their husbands began to be sexually aggressive. Families often did not know that the medication was responsible for the personality shifts. One reported incident involved a father who stole PS600,000.00 from his clients in order to pay for antiques and sex. Financial and emotional consequences led to a tragedy in the family. Increased pressure on regulators The prescription rate in England has not decreased, despite the fact that dopamine-agonists no longer represent a first-choice treatment for Restless Legs Syndrome. The UK Drug Regulator has been asked by lawmakers to examine whether the current warnings are too harsh. The patients want more clarity. Early information, say many, could have helped them save their relationships, finances and mental health.
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Patients say that dopamine antagonist drugs are linked to gambling and other addictions.

Patients in the UK report that medication prescribed to treat movement disorders…

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