Mayo Clinic Study Finds Parkinson's Disease Medication Triggers Destructive Behavior

A new study conducted at Mayo Clinic reports that one in six patients receiving therapeutic doses of certain drugs for Parkinsons disease develops new-onset, potentially destructive behaviors, notably compulsive gambling or hypersexuality.

The study extends findings from two 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 Parkinsons disease, but low doses also are used for restless legs syndrome. They uniquely stimulate brain limbic circuits, which are thought to be fundamental substrates for emotional, reward and hedonistic behaviors.

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 Parkinsons 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.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Mayo Clinic
• Bostwick
• Parkinson's Disease
• Treatment
• Compulsive Behavior
• Dopamine Agonists

[socius8]

@freedpatriots My father was prescribed a Dopamine antagonist as well. he experienced severe hallucinations.

[freedpatriots]

Thank you for bringing this to the General Pubic's attention. As a PD patient I was prescribed a Dopamine Agonist (MIrapex) for fourteen years. My current neurologist has titrated me off. HE SAVED MY LIFE !. I am now experiencing Dopamine Agonist Withdrawal Syndrome- for 4 months now, had to be put on anti-seizure medication to cope.Considering taking this medication ? I strongly recommend you google DAWS. Compulsive Disorders ruin lives and can cause death, suicide, and major injuries, caution!

[sharkeywicks]

@sharkeywicks I can't seem to go get a reply to my questions about if Q10 works with or against the drugs Ropinirole and Sinemet . Also, I don't see any questions about heavy metal and there relationship to my Parkinsons like symtoms. May I get a reply please. Thank You.

[sharkeywicks]

answers to questions about parkinsons on wellsphere

[bobulli]

This is social media, right? I sent you the URL of the conversations about your study. Hello? Is there a problem ?

[anuketscrusade]

given that the general public's perception of ALL people with PD is likely to be negatively influenced by this, i find it irresponsible of the Mayo Clinic to broadcast this to the world but decline to answer questions about it.

[bobulli]

My 4th try at making another comment, to say that this conversation continues at NeuroTalk Communities, sub-section Parkinson`s

[anuketscrusade]

i am re-posting my comments:

1) I beg everyone who sees this to read the actual study - not just the abstract, the whole study it can be found online, google mayo clinic proceedings bostwick and it will be the top item the pramipexole (Mirapex) package insert can be found at drugs@fda and search on pramipexole - check my facts, please!!

[anuketscrusade]

2) For 4 out of 7 patients, there is no stated temporal relationship btw initiation/increase or cessation/decrease in dopamine agonists & certain behavior in the absence of a temporal relationship, on what basis are you claiming the existence of an association between the drug and the behavior?

[anuketscrusade]

3) 2 out of those 4, in addition to having no stated temporal relationship, are footnoted as not clearly pathologic well, you cant have your cake and eat it too if they arent pathologic, then they are not eligible for inclusion in a study with pathological as an inclusion criterion