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Gambling, Hypersexuality Linked to Parkinson's Medications
A new study conducted at Mayo Clinic reports that 1 in 6 patients receiving therapeutic doses of certain drugs for Parkinson's disease develops new-onset, potentially destructive behaviors, notably compulsive gambling or hypersexuality.
The study extends findings from 2 Mayo case series published in 2005 that reported a connection between dopamine agonist medications and compulsive gambling or hypersexuality.
Dopamine agonists are a class of drugs that include pramipexole and ropinirole. They are commonly used to treat Parkinson's disease, but low doses also are used for restless legs syndrome.
"The 2005 case series alerted us that something bad was happening to some unfortunate people. This study was done to assess the likelihood that this effect would happen to the average Parkinson's patient treated with these agents," says J. Michael Bostwick, M.D., Mayo Clinic psychiatrist who spearheaded the new study. It is published in the April issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings.
APRIL-14-09: Parkinson's Disease Medication Triggers Destructive Behaviors [MAYO CLINIC: PARKINSON'S DRUGS TRIGGER DESTRUCTIVE BEHAVIOR]
Published on Apr-14-09
The study extends findings from 2 Mayo case series published in 2005 that reported a connection between dopamine agonist medications and compulsive gambling or hypersexuality.
Dopamine agonists are a class of drugs that include pramipexole and ropinirole. They are commonly used to treat Parkinson's disease, but low doses also are used for restless legs syndrome.
"The 2005 case series alerted us that something bad was happening to some unfortunate people. This study was done to assess the likelihood that this effect would happen to the average Parkinson's patient treated with these agents," says J. Michael Bostwick, M.D., Mayo Clinic psychiatrist who spearheaded the new study. It is published in the April issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings.
APRIL-14-09: Parkinson's Disease Medication Triggers Destructive Behaviors [MAYO CLINIC: PARKINSON'S DRUGS TRIGGER DESTRUCTIVE BEHAVIOR]
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If you or a loved one has suffered adverse health effects or damages as a result of using these medications, please click the link below and your complaint will be sent to a lawyer who may evaluate your claim at no cost or obligation.Published on Apr-14-09
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