Drug-induced gambling disorder: A not so rare but underreported condition

Psychiatry Res. 2018 Nov:269:593-595. doi: 10.1016/j.psychres.2018.09.008. Epub 2018 Sep 5.

Abstract

The widespread use of dopaminergic agents for the treatment of Parkinson's disease has revealed the presence of gambling disorder (GD) as an uncommon, but serious, adverse reaction to these agents. We describe the main characteristics of drug-induced GD reports received by the Spanish Pharmacovigilance System during the period from 1983 to 2016. Fifteen reports of GD have been identified. Dopaminergic agonists, especially pramipexole, are the main drugs involved in inducing GD. Physicians prescribing these drugs should warn patients and families about this disorder. Knowledge of this disorder will encourage early diagnosis, treatment, and reporting of this clinically and socially relevant disorder.

Keywords: Dopamine agonist; Impulse control disorders; Parkinson's disease.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Dopamine Agonists / adverse effects*
  • Gambling / chemically induced*
  • Gambling / diagnosis
  • Gambling / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Indoles / adverse effects
  • Levodopa / adverse effects
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Parkinson Disease / drug therapy
  • Parkinson Disease / psychology
  • Pramipexole / adverse effects

Substances

  • Dopamine Agonists
  • Indoles
  • ropinirole
  • Levodopa
  • Pramipexole