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Compulsive behaviour can be drug related

Some drugs, particularly those used to treat Parkinson’s disease, cause pathological behaviour such as gambling or hypersexuality, which can affect a person’s family and social life and even have legal consequences.

Some behavioural disorders occur in patients taking dopamine agonists: drugs used to treat Parkinsonian syndrome, as well as so-called restless leg syndrome and some tumours (pituitary adenoma). Compulsive disorders include uncontrollable behaviour that is out of character, such as excessive gambling, bulimia, and sexual disorders involving extramarital relations, paedophilia, zoophilia, exhibitionism, etc.). These disorders are dose-dependent and incite patients to increase their dosage themselves.

Some patients are particularly exposed: those with early onset Parkinson’s disease, those taking higher doses of the drug or who have a history of drug addiction, and thrill-seekers (danger, adventure). However these disorders can also appear in patients with no previous history. Improvements and even the disappearance of the disorder have been observed once the patient stops taking the drug, reduces the dosage or changes treatment.

Informing patients and their families should encourage them to watch out for any behavioural changes and to report these to their healthcare professional.

©Prescrire March 2008

Source: "Agonistes dopaminergiques : jeu pathologique et hypersexualité (suite) " Rev Prescrire 2008 ; 28 (293) : 187-189.

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