Gambling Addiction & Recovery Support Group

Compulsive gambling is an urge or addiction to gamble despite harmful negative consequences or a desire to stop. A preferred term among many professionals is problem gambling, as few people described by the term experience true compulsions in the clinical sense of the word. Problem gambling often is defined by whether harm is experienced by the gambler or others rather...

971 Members
6,389 Posts
0 Online
Addiction & Recovery
/ Gambling Addiction & Recovery Support Group

Medicine-induced urges to gamble

nancyzoman
nancyzoman
My doctor recently put me on cabergoline once per week. The medicine makes me feel sad and depressed and hopeless. (It also gives me a headache, nausea, and fatigue, but that's another story).

This drug really makes me want to gamble. It would take the "edge off" and help me escape from its mind-numbing effects. But I'm six months out, I have a respectable savings for the first time in my adult life, and my life is going well. So I know I shouldn't.

Does anyone else ever have medicine-induced urges to gamble? If yes, how do you deal?
skip88
skip88
I would speak to my Dr. about trying an alternative drug. I would Never stay on something that is making me Want to gamble. It's hard enough staying away without adding something to make it even more difficult. Nothing is more important in life than staying in your recovery,for without it there will be No life. Any one truly addicted knows that and is just kidding themselves if they pick another path. Stay strong and trust your instincts.
pennyluv
pennyluv
I took a migraine med that enhanced my impulse to gamble. I've had to switch to an over the counter medication which is good enough since the migraines have greatly tapered off since I quit smoking. I also took a medication (Chantix) several years ago that did the opposite. When I gambled I wouldn't get the euphoric feeling from a win or almost-win that I got when not taking it. Unfortunately, it made all emotions flat so that one had to go.

I remember reading somewhere that I should tell my doctor I'm a compulsive gambler before taking a new prescription drug so that it could be substituted in case of documented interference with the addiction. I haven't had to cross that bridge yet but I'm sure I will one day.
Qwit4Good
Qwit4Good
I know from another support group that certain drugs for Parkinson's add urges. I would ask about an alternative. If none, doing artwork or something creative really eases anxiety - even coloring, knitting, photography, collages, finger-painting, gardening....
Meditation, relaxation exercises or hypnosis may help.
ksgal13
ksgal13
You have come so far. Don't turn back now. You have been an inspiration for me. Stay strong and this too shall pass. Appreciate your accomplishments. You can do this. Talk to your doctor. Reach out to those you are close to.
strangeseraphim
strangeseraphim
penny luv. I am on amitriptyline for migraines and they have been a life saver as it was really messing with my quality of life- I am hoping that was not the med you were on as I am really struggling. =/
pennyluv
pennyluv
strangese, the migraine med I took was fioricet. It was an 'as needed' type of med rather than preventative. Hope you have some good success in controlling the headaches. I know how horrible they can be.