Sex, Shopping & Gambling - Out of Control

This week on 2 Parkies in a Pod, we uncover the darker side of dopamine agonists — a group of Parkinson’s drugs that, for some people, have triggered devastating impulsive behaviours.

Sudden, overwhelming sexual urges, out-of-control gambling and compulsive shopping that’s cost families tens of thousands of pounds.

We speak to BBC Investigative Reporter Noel Titheradge, who spent a year investigating the link between these medications and impulse control disorders. His documentary 'Impulsive’ for the BBC’s Radio 4 Shadow World series exposed stories that are hard to ignore.

You’l also hear from:

• Ellie, who lost more than £50k to online gambling
• Steve, who became addicted to adult webcam sites and spent £40k
• A solicitor who stole £600k from clients to fund a secret double life

How common are these side effects?

Are patients warned clearly enough?

And should drug companies be doing more?

If you or someone you love has been affected, help is available.

📞 Parkinson’s UK free confidential helpline: 0808 800 0303

📧 hello@parkinsons.org.uk

Parkinson’s UK Impulsive Control Disorders

https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/about-us/our-views/impulsive-compulsive-behaviour

BBC Impulsive Series

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001zlz0

Contact Noel: noel.titheradge@bbc.co.uk

Yellow Card Reporting Side Effects

https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/

Ellie’s Blog

https://pdmamablog.wordpress.com/