A man received an estimated $89,000 settlement from his doctor after developing compulsive gambling and shopping habits due to medication prescribed for restless leg syndrome.
Philip Stevens is from England and was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1995. Twelve years later, he experienced a tremor in his left leg that disrupted his sleep. His doctor diagnosed him with restless leg syndrome and prescribed Ropinirole, a medication affecting dopamine levels.
Stevens’ attorneys argued that his doctor failed to warn him about potential side effects, including an impulse control disorder that can lead to uncontrollable gambling or shopping.
Compulsive Gambling Not An Uncommon Side Effect
Drug-induced impulse control disorders are not unheard of, and certain drugs can greatly impact impulse control.
This category encompasses dopamine agonists, which include medications like Requip (ropinirole), Mirapex (pramipexole), Apokyn (apomorphine) and Neupro (rotigotine). Additionally, certain antipsychotics, such as aripiprazole (Abilify), psychostimulants, and some antidepressants can produce comparable effects.
“Ropinirole, a dopamine agonist, is a medication commonly used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease and restless legs syndrome,” said Dr. Natalie I. Rine, the Director of the Central Ohio Poison Center. “This class of medications has been associated with impulse control disorders, including pathological gambling, hypersexuality and compulsive shopping/eating,” she said.
How Dopamine Agonists Impact Brain
Dopamine agonists function by mimicking dopamine, prompting nerve cells to respond in a similar manner. Dopamine is often called the "feel-good" chemical because it plays a role in creating a sense of pleasure and motivation. By altering dopamine levels in the brain, these medications may lead to impulsive behaviors.
A Mayo Clinic study found that 1-in-6 patients taking dopamine agonists developed new behaviors like compulsive gambling or hypersexuality. A follow-up study, done a year later, found that higher doses of dopamine agonists increased the risk of these behaviors.
Mr. Stevens told The Independent newspaper that he used to enjoy horse racing and would only bet when he thought he could win and knew when to stop. However, soon after he began taking Ropinirole, he started gambling more often and developed compulsive behaviors, eventually losing control.
He would even wake up in the middle of the night and gamble online.
Lawsuits May Be Difficult to Win
Legal cases about pharmaceuticals, like those involving Ropinirole and compulsive gambling, can be complex for several reasons.
Winning these cases often depends on strong scientific evidence. Plaintiffs must provide expert testimony or studies that support their claim that the medication can lead to compulsive behaviors. They also might need to show that the warnings given were either inadequate or not communicated to doctors and patients.
Successful cases often demonstrate that the manufacturer failed to provide sufficient warnings about the behavior, or they prove that the risk was higher than publicly understood.
Withdrawal Symptoms Also A Concern
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is the nation's medical research agency, and its website advises that patients should not suddenly stop taking Ropinirole because it can cause serious withdrawal symptoms like mood swings, tiredness, sweating, and pain.
After Mr. Stevens stopped the medication, his urge to gamble and shop decreased within two days, but he then faced five months of withdrawal symptoms. His symptoms included depression and hallucinations.
Talk To Your Doctor About Prescriptions and Gambling
The good news is that, beyond receiving the settlement, Stevens is feeling better and looking ahead with optimism.
But Dr. Rine adds that this should be a reminder to everyone that it is important to talk to your doctor about all of the medications you are taking and their potential side effects.
“When initiating any new therapy, it is important for physicians and pharmacists to discuss the potential side effects of new medications, as well as the risk factors that may increase a patient’s likelihood of experiencing those side effects,” she said.
Regardless of whether you are taking prescription medications, always gamble responsibly.
