Include pramipexole, bromocriptine, ropinirole, pergolide and cabergoline and utilized for Parkinson’s disease, restless leg syndrome and hyperprolatinemic disorders.
Ergot derived dopamine agonists pergolide and cabergoline increase the risk of cardiac valve regurgitation.
Rarely associated with pathological gambling.
Pathological gambling linked to the dopamine agonist treatment, including pramipexole, ropinirole, cabergoline, or bromocriptine.
Adverse events include: nausea, vomiting, orthostatic hypotension, syncope, and impulse control disorders.
Rarely is pathological gambling associated with carbidopadopa/levodopa monotherapy.
Hyper sexuality associated with dopamine and such cases account for 90% reported cases.
Compulsive behaviors have also been associated with dopamine agonists, including compulsive eating, excessive shopping or spending, compulsive fishing, gardening or excessive engagement in hobbies.
Behavioral changes have been linked to treatment with dopamine agonists in Parkinson’s disease.
In a study of 267 patients with Parkinson’s disease new onset gambling or hypersexuality was documented in 2.6% cases, and among patients taking therapeutic doses the rate was 18.4%
(Bostwick JM).