Parkinson's Disease Support Group

Parkinson's disease is a movement disorder often characterized by muscle rigidity, tremor, a slowing of physical movement, and in extreme cases, a loss of physical movement. The primary symptoms of Parkinsons are due to excessive muscle contraction, normally caused by the insufficient formation and action of dopamine, which is produced in the dopaminergic neurons of the...

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PD meds and compulsive disorder

Cole50
Cole50
I was on a dopamine agonist for about 7 months. Never did experience any compulsions, but apparently is more of a possibility than a couple of isolated cases. The warnings on the med is obviously more than to cover their rears on lawsuits. Interesting article.

http://www.drugs.com/news/parkinson-s-may-spur-compulsive-behaviors-53596.html
Zlata
Zlata
I developed compulsive problem after I was put on Mirapex ER . It scare me to the point that had to stop it and go back on my original med. Thank goodness I did not take it for to long once I stoop it the compulsion went away . Never again.
Zlata
Zlata
correction -stop - not stoop-
debfromnj
debfromnj
I would have done the agonist route too but didn't want to take the chance because I am already in two 12 step recovery programs and I think the odds were against me with the agonist.

But many people do take the agonist without becoming addicted to a substance or behavior. Lots of drs. on the computers say that all pd med doses should stay low and behaviors carefully watched. I think sinemet itself has addictive side effects.
Cole50
Cole50
Yes, Sinemet warnings include possible compulsion side-effects. I don't know the % of affected individuals, but obviously it is there.

I get the impression from the article, however, that the 10% of dopamine-agonist users who are afflicted with this side effect is unusually high for a medication.

It was hard for me to imagine suddenly becoming a gambling addict. I've never had the least desire to gamble in my life. I don't even play the lottery. But apparently history has nothing to do with it. I find it odd, however, that out of all the types of compulsions, gambling and sex are the two listed. Sex I can understand. Gambling seems somewhat arbitrary. Like, why not stamp collecting or something. Then again, most people would look at the later as just a new hobby, and probably not report it.

But you'd think drugs and alcohol would be on that list of compulsions too more so than gambling.
PSullivan
PSullivan
I experienced compulsive behaviors on both sinemet and mirapex he then tried me on Neupro (patch) and knock on wood it's been 2 years on it and none of the compulsivness.
terrapinstation945
terrapinstation945
Gambling gives you an endorphin rush. i always thought it was a strange addiction also but then i dont gamble. 1in 10 people having difficulty with compulsions on the mirapex requip stuff seems dangerously high to me also....i would stay away from those at all costs.

peace

Brer T