Q&A 82: dopamine agonists for restless legs syndrome - a no-no

Have any of you developed any impulse control disorders on dopamine agonists, and how were these managed? Any legal challenges and compensation?

Case

I have multiple sclerosis and restless legs syndrome. My neurologist started me on low-dose pramipexole for restless leg syndrome. I started on the lowest dose of 0.088mg dose at night, but over the last few years, I have had to increase the dose to control my restless legs. I am now taking three 0.35mg tablets at night, which controls my symptoms very well and gives me a good night's sleep.

However, I read this article on the BBC website about a man who developed a gambling addiction after he was prescribed ropinirole for restless legs syndrome. I believe this is similar to pramipexole.

Curtis Lancaster. 'Prescription medication made me a gambling addict'. BBC 12 March 2025

Although I don’t gamble, I have developed an online shopping addiction. I spend many hours a day doom-scrolling on Amazon and other shopping sites—my favourite shop is now Temu. I often buy things I don’t need, which has significantly impacted my economic status and my relationship with my partner.

Could my shopping addiction be related to pramipexole? To be fair to my neurologist, he did warn me about gambling and sex addiction, but I don’t recall him mentioning shopping addiction.

Should I stop pramipexole? If so, how should I have my restless leg syndrome treated?

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Answers

Q1: Could my shopping addiction be related to pramipexole? YES

Q2: Should I stop pramipexole? YES

Q3: How should I have my restless leg syndrome treated? …….