Restless Leg Syndrome Medication Gambling
Common drugs prescribed for restless leg syndrome and Parkinson’s disease can cause frantic sexual urges, compulsive gambling and an uncontrollable desire to go shopping, a study has revealed. Such as gambling or spending. 20, 2014 (HealthDay News) - Drugs commonly used to treat Parkinson's disease may raise the restless leg syndrome medication compulsive gambling risk of so-called impulse control disorders, casino costa mesa ca according to a new review.9 Aug 2007 for restless leg syndrome (RLS) now includes an unusual side effect.
- Restless Leg Syndrome Medication That Causes Gambling
- Restless Leg Syndrome Medication Gambling
- Restless Leg Syndrome Medication Gambling Cure
“It was like turning off a light switch…”
For Pam S., when she stopped taking a medication prescribed for her restless leg syndrome, she lost her uncontrollable desire to gamble within three days.
This after years of problem gambling that had led her to lie to her family and even embezzle funds from her employer.
Researchers discovered a decade ago that the dopamine agonists – drugs used primarily to treat diseases such as Parkinson’s or, in lower doses, restless leg syndrome – could trigger addictive behaviors. Compulsive gambling is one of the surfacing issues, along with binge shopping or eating and hypersexuality.
Dr. M. Leann Dodd, a psychiatrist at the Mayo Clinic, co-authored a 2005 research paper published in the Archives of Neurology on the link between excessive gambling and the medication pramipexole, known as Mirapex. Pramipexole mimics the effects of dopamine on the brain and can reduce muscle tremors typically associated with Parkinson’s and restless leg syndrome.
Restless Leg Syndrome Medication That Causes Gambling
Dodd’s study cited examples such as a 68-year-old man who lost more than $200,000 at casinos over six months. Similarly, in a Medscape online article authored by University of Michigan 0003pharmacist Joanne M. Pangilinan, she describes a 60-year-old woman with restless leg syndrome who began losing $6,000 a month on slot machines once on her medication.
Examples abound and there have been lawsuits filed against Mirapex’s manufacturer. But, despite a flurry of media coverage at the time, little since has been written to keep the public aware of this potential issue.
Restless Leg Syndrome Medication Gambling
And, as Pam’s story reminds us, some connections should be remembered.
Restless Leg Syndrome Medication Gambling Cure
If you have questions about medications and their impact on problem gambling or other 0003addictive behaviors, contact Maryhaven’s Bruce Jones at 614/324-5425.