A multiple sclerosis (M.S.) patient in the UK has received a £70,000 (US$89,000) settlement from the National Health Service (NHS) after developing an uncontrollable gambling addiction from prescribed medication.

Philip Stevens, 66, from Hampshire, experienced severe compulsive behaviors after being prescribed Ropinirole in 2017. The drug, commonly used for Parkinson's disease and restless legs syndrome, transformed his occasional betting hobby into an overwhelming addiction.

Stevens reported waking up at night to place random bets and developed other compulsive behaviors, including:

• Excessive shopping for expensive clothes
• Three-day fishing trips every week
• Complete disregard for winning while gambling

While impulse control disorder (ICD) is a known side effect of Ropinirole, Stevens claims he wasn't warned about these risks. The NHS typically advises patients to contact healthcare providers if they experience uncontrollable gambling, shopping, or increased sex drive while taking the medication.

In October 2021, when Stevens reported his compulsive behaviors to a neurologist, he was instructed to stop taking Ropinirole immediately. However, the withdrawal process proved challenging, causing:

• Severe exhaustion
• Paranoia
• Hallucinations severe enough to prevent him from recognizing family members

This isn't the first case of its kind. The same law firm secured a similar NHS settlement in 2013 for another patient who developed gambling and shopping addictions while taking Ropinirole. In the US, over 635 gambling-related lawsuits have been filed related to the antidepressant aripiprazole (Abilify) causing similar impulse control issues.

"I am not the same person as I was, pre-Ropinirole," Stevens told The Independent, noting that his formerly enjoyable activities now trigger feelings of guilt and remorse.

Related Articles

Previous Articles