Pierre54, found out he had Parkinson’s disease in 2013.I thought I was going to be diagnosed with a simple herniated disc. At that moment, the sky fell on my head.” Pierre. He begins a treatment based on dopamines and dopamine agonists, the unusual side effects of which are explained to him: addiction to gambling, sex, etc.
Pierre quickly feels the first effects, which he does not associate at all with medication, but with his hyperactive tendencies. “I used to do DIY on weekends from 5 a.m. to midnight, without ever getting tired. […] I told the neurologist that everything was fine, that everything was under control. That I only had anxiety when I was sleeping… which didn’t happen often.” Pierre.
“If I stopped taking this medication, my superpowers would disappear.”
It’s his wife who suspects something is wrong, and tells the neurologist. Despite a reduction in the dose, the effects persist and diversify: sexual urges, suicidal desires… until his daughters-in-law discover his conversations with prostitutes. Pierre is finally hospitalized, a necessary step to change treatment. “Suddenly, I became peaceful and calm again. A feeling of shame assail me because I realize what I have done. The shock is terrible.” Pierre.
Stéphanehe became addicted to online gambling two years after starting to take dopamine agonists. “There is no alert going off. New behaviors appear, but we don’t think about the side effects at all.” Stéphane.
“I watched Belarusian football matches to satisfy this absolute need to bet all the time.”
Around Stéphaneno one realizes his addiction, because he hides to bet. Gradually, he becomes aware of the abnormality of his behavior. “I was completely inhabited by someone in my head.” Stéphane. He describes the worsening effects of the treatment, which transformed him into an “impulsive consumer” and big spender… ultimately heavily in debt.
“One day I told my neurologist everything. We immediately decided to stop the medication.”
Stopping medications is gradual. The troubles stop. As Pierre, Stéphane feels shame. The first had surgery, the second now only takes dopamine. “Adverse effects must be communicated. You can’t give medications that are drugs and then see a patient every six months and ask if they’re okay.” Pierre.
Thanks to Pierre, Stéphane Grange, Maître Sophie Maltet, Maître Dominique Mari, Professor Thobois, Professor Azulay and Dr Durozard.
- Reportage : Antoine Guirimand
- Realization : Peter Legras
Ending music : “Seal Jubilee”, Bat for Lashes – Album : Fur and Gold (2007)
To go further
“Addictive disorders in treated Parkinson’s patients”, The WorldJune 26, 2018.
“Made addicted to gambling and sex by medication, a Nantes resident obtains compensation”, The World31 mars 2011.
“Addictions to sex and games: Parkinson’s patients feel cheated by a lab”, MediapartAugust 21, 224.
