If Las Vegas is Like a Drug, Mirapex is the Drug Most Like a Las Vegas Visit
There’s a prescription drug that simulates the Las Vegas experience. It’s called Mirapex. And we’re not making this up.
Mirapex treats a range of symptoms including tremors, muscle spasms, poor muscle control and restless legs syndrome. It’s often prescribed to deal with the ravages of Parkinson’s disease.
But here’s the twist: Mirapex has some side effects. The drug stimulates dopamine, the chemical in human brains that’s related to the pleasure response, the one that reinforces behavior that provides enjoyment. What could possibly go wrong?
It turns out Mirapex users often have the uncontrollable urge to gamble, for starters.
These intense urges can turn social gamblers into impulsive, problem gamblers virtually overnight. How effective is Mirapex in turning everyday gamblers into addicts? It’s believed Mirapex accounts for nearly 60 percent of prescription-related gambling problems reported to the FDA.
Compulsive behavior related to Mirapex isn’t just limited to gambling, though. Like we said, this drug is like a Las Vegas adventure.
Mirapex can also make people compulsive shoppers (there’s some of that in Las Vegas), drinkers (Las Vegas may have alcohol as well) and eaters (buffet, anyone?).
The most appealing impulse-control disorder related to Mirapex, of course, is the uncontrollable urge to have sex. For some, sexual urges are harmless, but there’s obviously the possibility of fallout like marital conflicts, as well as the potential of having really tired arms, if you get our drift.
The effects of Mirapex on libido are so serious, there have been class action lawsuits by those who became addicted to porn and whose lives have been impacted by the inability to curb their carnal impulses.
The good news is these Vegas-style urges pass when patients stop taking Mirapex, much as uncontrollable urges to gamble and binge-eat and have sex subside somewhat when return home after visiting Las Vegas. Probably.
Leave your thoughts on “If Las Vegas is Like a Drug, Mirapex is the Drug Most Like a Las Vegas Visit”