Pathological gambling induced by dopamine antagonists: a case report

J Gambl Stud. 2015 Mar;31(1):295-7. doi: 10.1007/s10899-013-9433-2.

Abstract

Pathological gambling is defined as inappropriate, persistent, and maladaptive gambling behaviour. It is a non-pharmacological addiction classified as an impulse control disorder. However, pathological gambling has been associated with dopamine agonist use. Here we report of a 28-year-old man with a first major depressive episode and a post-traumatic stress disorder who has been treated with a combination of the serotonine/noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor duloxetine and the tricyclic antidepressant maprotiline. The administration of antipsychotic flupentixole (up to 7 mg) turned this slight online poker gambler into an excessive gambler. Only after the discontinuation of the antidopaminergic agents and the switch to bupropion did this gambling behaviour stop which suggests a causal relationship between dopamine antagonists and pathological gambling.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Behavior, Addictive / chemically induced*
  • Behavior, Addictive / psychology
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / complications
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / drug therapy
  • Dopamine Antagonists / administration & dosage
  • Dopamine Antagonists / adverse effects*
  • Flupenthixol / administration & dosage
  • Flupenthixol / adverse effects*
  • Gambling / chemically induced*
  • Gambling / psychology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / complications
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / drug therapy

Substances

  • Dopamine Antagonists
  • Flupenthixol