Compulsive gambling concerns about Mirapexin

Anti-ageing symptoms
With idiopathic Parkinson's disease (where the cause is unknown or spontaneous), there is a deficiency of the neuro-transmitter dopamine. This in turn results in a neurohumoral imbalance in the basal ganglia, causing the characteristic signs and symptoms of the illness. Current drug therapy, such as Mirapex, aims simply to correct the imbalance but does not prevent the progression of the disease.

Compulsive gambling and Mirapex
Observational studies have suggested a link between the use of pramipexole and compulsive gambling and other compulsive behaviour. Authors of one such study published in August 2003 concluded that it may be appropriate to warn potential users of this side effect. However, warnings were not included with the drug until 2005.

Legal action in the US
In the US and Canada legal actions have been commenced against Pfizer and Boehringer,the manufacturers and distributors of pramipexole (marketed in the US and Canada as "Mirapex"). Among other issues, it is alleged that the manufacturers misrepresented that the drug was safe and effective and that they were aware of the link between compulsive behaviour and dopamine agonists, including Mirapex, several years prior to adding a warning to the product.

Many people have stated that they have lost fortunes due to gambling while taking Mirapexin, despite having no previous gambling history. Usually, the urge to gamble stops once they have ceased taking the drug. If you have concerns about taking Mirapexin, we suggest that you consult your GP or neurologist, or contact the Medical and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency for guidance and advice.

Mirapexin, has also been approved for use by the European Medicines Agency to treat moderate or severe cases of Restless Legs Syndrome it was the first to be granted a European licence.

It has been estimated thatas many as 10% of the population may suffer restless leg syndrome. There are currently no other medications licensed for the treatment of Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) in the UK. RLS, also known as Ekbom's syndrome, can affect one or both legs, and symptoms are sometimes felt in the arms as well.

They are most likely to be experienced at night, occasionally meaning the sufferer cannot fall asleep easily, and will often have a strong desire to get up and walk about. Another symptom associated with RLS are involuntary leg movements, particularly when asleep, which can lead to the sufferer kicking out and waking either themselves or their sleeping partner. US research found people with diabetes were at particular risk, as were those who did little exercise. Some symptoms can be relieved by applying heat pads. The condition can also be prevented by cutting down on alcohol and caffeine.

Dr Chaudhuri said only around 500,000 of the estimated 4m sufferers in the UK were likely to benefit from the drug. Some doctors were reluctant to use these medications, as they were used, in much bigger doses, to treat Parkinson's patients.  Mirapexin, produced by Boehringer Ingelheim, is unlikely to be considered by the NHS drug watchdog, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, for at least a year.