Popular prescription drugs can cause “abnormal” sexual behavior

A class of drugs commonly used to treat movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and restless leg syndrome are driving people to risk sexual behavior.

Patients taking dopamine agonists say the drugs trigger uncontrollable impulses, including flickering, sexual addiction and even pedophiles, leaving them feeling ashamed and confused.

A report reviewed by the BBC shows that drugmaker Gsk is aware of the risks of so-called “perverted” sexual behavior since 2003, but patients claim their doctors continue to warn them of these potentially devastating side effects.

Dopamine agonists mimic dopamine, a key brain chemical that controls movement and is activated by pleasure. However, these drugs can overstimulate pleasure while enabling the brain’s ability to recognize the consequences of our actions.

This may lead to impulse control disorders, and studies have shown that 13% to 24% of patients with dopamine agonist develop them.

While warnings about these dangerous behaviors are listed with common side effects such as nausea and insomnia, studies show that they are often not overlooked or not diagnosed.

In the United States, the American College of Sleep Medicine recommends that these drugs be used only for short-term treatments, such as hospice care.

A 2003 report by GSK described two cases of abnormal behavior in men who prescribed the dopamine agonist ropiniro for Parkinson’s disease.

In one, a 63-year-old sexually assaulted a seven-year-old girl. The report said the perpetrator’s sexual desire began with treatment and after the dose reduction, his “problem was resolved later.”

At least 20 women prescribed dopamine agonists for restless leg syndrome, telling the BBC that the drugs have ruined their lives. Many say they do not warn of serious side effects and do not know what causes their behavioral instability.

A woman, Claire, tells how she began to leave her home in the early morning to find sex. About a year after Ropinirole, who initially released RLS symptoms, began experiencing overwhelming and unprecedented sexual desire.

She wore a sheer top and jacket and despite having a partner, she would regularly flash any possible man’s breasts.

“There is still an element in your mind that knows what you are doing is wrong, but it affects you until you don’t know you’re doing it.”

Claire said it took years to connect these impulses to her medications—and they almost disappeared when she stopped taking them. She is now feeling “shame” and is “shame” in the dangerous situation she is in.

In many cases, women told the BBC that over time, their doctors failed to assess the effects of the medication on the body.

Sarah, who started taking another dopamine agonist since her 50s, said her formerly sluggish sexual desire surged to the point where she was totally addicted. She started selling underwear and clear videos online, organizing phone sex with strangers, and forced shopping — debt increased by $30,000.

To cope with the effect, she turned to self-treatment using pain-relieving opioids and sleeping pills. Eventually, Sarah recovered, but this resulted in the loss of her driver’s license and her job.

“I turned to something unhealthy – I know this behavior is not me, but I can’t control it,” she told the BBC.

Four patients with Parkinson’s disease filed a class action lawsuit against GSK in 2011, claiming Ropinirole caused gambling debt and a ruptured relationship.

They also believe that despite linking the drug to 2000 behavior, GSK has not included warnings in its product literature until March 2007. The case has been resolved, but GSK denied the responsibility.

GSK told the BBC in a statement that Ropinirole has targeted more than 17 million treatments and has undergone “extensive clinical trials.” It added that the drug has been proven to be effective and has “characteristic safety”.

“As with all drugs [it] It has potential side effects and is clearly illustrated in the prescription information. ” it said.

GSK told the BBC that the study, with its 2003 study, found a link to “abnormal” sexual behavior, which was shared with health authorities and has been notified of updates in terms of prescription information – now listing “changes or increases sexual interest” and “significant concern behavior” as side effects.

GSK did not immediately respond to a request for comment for the position.