Medication-Induced Compulsive Behaviors
Philip Stevens, a 66-year-old from Hampshire, England, has been awarded a £70,000 settlement after developing severe gambling and shopping compulsions due to his prescribed medication for restless leg syndrome. Stevens was given Ropinirole, a dopamine antagonist, in 2017 but was not informed of its potential side effects like impulse control disorder.
From Casual Bettor to Compulsive Gambler
Originally a cautious horse racing enthusiast, Stevens’s gambling habits drastically changed after starting the medication. His behavior escalated to the point where he was placing bets on his smartphone at all hours, including waking up at night to gamble. His compulsive shopping also saw him amassing unnecessary amounts of clothes and fishing gear.
Financial and Emotional Toll
Over four years, Stevens’s gambling addiction led him to spend thousands on online betting platforms, losing control over his actions and no longer concerned with winning. His lawyer from Leigh Day solicitors noted that his life had been significantly disrupted by these compulsions.
The Aftermath and Withdrawal
After stopping Ropinirole on the advice of a neurologist, Stevens’s compulsive behaviors ceased. However, due to abrupt cessation without proper guidance, he experienced severe withdrawal symptoms. These included paranoia, leading him to question the paternity of his children.
Legal Settlement and Lessons Learned
The settlement was reached without the prescribing doctor admitting liability. Angharad Vaughan, Stevens’s lawyer, emphasized the importance of this case, hoping it would lead to better patient education regarding the potential side effects of medications like Ropinirole. This case underscores the necessity for thorough patient counseling on medication side effects to prevent similar incidents in the future.
