So, I recently discovered Drop Dead Diva on Netflix. A brief nod to its hilarity is in order.
More importantly, one of the episodes mentioned impulse control issues with ropinirole, which is sometimes used for people with Parkinson’s. The drug name sounded familiar so I looked it up. It’s Requip, which I used to take steadily for my Restless Leg Syndrome.
Turns out, there’s been a causal link between ropinirole and impulse control issues for years now. As in, I found one article from back in 2006.
Of course, not everyone is affected. In a study of 3,000 patients, just under 14% had impulse control disorders.
That said, I think that maybe — just maybe — someone who has been diagnosed bipolar II shouldn’t be given something that could easily cause impulse control issues.
Ugh.
Bipolar II tends to come with less severe manic states. Still, impulse control is an issue. For me, I talk faster, I can’t really sit still and my thoughts race. Sometimes, the thoughts loop and become somewhat obsessive. Very frustrating.
During those cycles, I’m more likely to overeat, spend impulsively and other things with repercussions that last long after the mania has subsided. So the idea that this drug could have made these symptoms worse…
To be fair, I don’t think Requip actually affected me in this manner. But there was no way of knowing that when the doctors prescribed it to me — which was certainly after 2006 and definitely after the bipolar diagnosis.
I actually haven’t taken Requip for nearly a year. For whatever reason, my RLS hasn’t been all that bad. So I guess I’ll just avoid this medication in the future.
Still… I guess it’s a good reminder to keep current on news about your medications. Or to have more thorough talks with your doctor about these sorts of things.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
I recognized the name of the drug immmediaty because I remember the commercials from tv. “Talk to your doctor if you have an overwhelming urge to gamble…” I thought this was an odd, but specific side effect. In California, you have the right to speak with a pharmacist (not the tech) when you have a prescription filled. Most people wave it off, but the pharmacist is a good resource for side effects, drug interaction,etc.
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Abigail Reply:
July 9th, 2012 at 10:07 am
Here in Phoenix, you *have* to speak with a pharmacist when you get your meds. Well, most of the time they'll send you over anyway. Even when it's a refill, which is annoying. Gambling was one of the side effects. Compulsive buying & binge eating were two others. So was compulsive sexual behavior, but unfortunately for Tim that one didn't happen either.
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Abigail Reply:
July 9th, 2012 at 10:07 am
Here in Phoenix, you *have* to speak with a pharmacist when you get your meds. Well, most of the time they'll send you over anyway. Even when it's a refill, which is annoying. Gambling was one of the side effects. Compulsive buying & binge eating were two others. So was compulsive sexual behavior, but unfortunately for Tim that one didn't happen either.
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Poor Tim….
Just once I'd love to hear a commercial say, "Side effects may include good health, happiness, a neatly organized pantry, well-adjusted children and handmade Christmas gifts."
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bareheadedwoman Reply:
July 12th, 2012 at 6:36 am
lolololol. that'll be the side affects when they find the cure for the common cold.
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bareheadedwoman Reply:
July 12th, 2012 at 6:36 am
lolololol. that'll be the side affects when they find the cure for the common cold.
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I know this is crazy but from time to time I have problems with RLS. I put a small bar of soap(anything but Dove. I have no idea why it doesn't work) on the bottom of my feet and slip a pair of socks on. Once the soap heats up a bit, my legs stop twitching. Oddest thing ever but works like a charm.
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Abigail Reply:
July 9th, 2012 at 4:41 pm
Hmm that's a new one on me. But I looked it up, and it's definitely mentioned on the web. No one knows why it works, and some people are highly skeptical. But, hey, if it works who cares why?
Tim used to have to get up and massage my legs if a hot bath didn't work. So we eventually invested in a foam roller. They're meant to get rid of lactic acid/adhesions — though it doesn't feel so good when you're using it — so that seems to help.
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Abigail Reply:
July 9th, 2012 at 4:41 pm
Hmm that's a new one on me. But I looked it up, and it's definitely mentioned on the web. No one knows why it works, and some people are highly skeptical. But, hey, if it works who cares why?
Tim used to have to get up and massage my legs if a hot bath didn't work. So we eventually invested in a foam roller. They're meant to get rid of lactic acid/adhesions — though it doesn't feel so good when you're using it — so that seems to help.
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Once I gave up caffeine, my RLS mostly went away. I miss caffeine but it’s worth it.
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Abigail Reply:
July 9th, 2012 at 4:33 pm
Good tip, but I rarely have caffeine.
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Abigail Reply:
July 9th, 2012 at 4:33 pm
Good tip, but I rarely have caffeine.
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I absolutely love Drop Dead Diva…
I guess I"m just a sucker for lady centric television shows…
Also, I too would love to hear something along these lines…
side effects may include: good health, extra energy, home cooked meals, perfect finances (including a fully funded 401K) and children who eat their fruits and vegetables…willingly.
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It troubles me that we find out about the POSSIBLE side effects AFTER the drug has been consumed …. for years. I truly feel like as conumers we are on our own. DW just discovered a med she was taking COULD have bad side effects. Would have been great to know…five years ago …. when she started taking it….
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