Man Wins £70,000 After Medication Triggers Compulsive Gambling!

A 66-year-old man, Philip Stevens from Ringwood, Hampshire, England, received a £70,000 settlement after claiming a medication prescribed for restless leg syndrome triggered compulsive gambling and shopping habits.

Stevens, who had been living with multiple sclerosis since 1995, experienced worsening health in 2015, forcing him to leave his job as a rent officer. In July 2017, he developed a persistent tremor in his left leg, which was diagnosed as restless leg syndrome. He was prescribed Ropinirole, a dopamine agonist. Stevens alleged that he was not adequately warned about its potential side effects, including impulse control disorders.

Descent into Compulsive Behavior

Stevens, previously a careful and deliberate bettor with an interest in horse racing, soon found his gambling spiraling out of control. He began placing frequent bets on his smartphone, even waking up at night to gamble. Over four years, he spent thousands of pounds on online betting platforms, driven by compulsive urges that left him feeling powerless.

Beyond gambling, Stevens developed compulsive shopping habits, purchasing clothes that he hid from his wife and obsessively buying fishing gear. He also started going on three-day fishing trips weekly, which he described as an uncontrollable obsession.

"During the four years Philip took Ropinirole, he lost thousands of pounds on online gambling platforms," said a spokesperson for Leigh Day solicitors, who represented Stevens. "His gambling spiraled out of control, and he began betting on nearly anything, no longer concerned with winning."

Withdrawal and Emotional Toll

In October 2021, a neurologist advised Stevens to stop taking Ropinirole, but he was not informed about the need for a gradual withdrawal. After discontinuing the medication, his compulsive behaviors ceased, but he endured severe withdrawal symptoms, including exhaustion, hallucinations, and paranoia. At one point, he became convinced his children were not biologically his and asked them to take DNA tests.

These experiences left Stevens depressed, and he was referred to a mental health crisis team in August 2022. Reflecting on his ordeal, Stevens said:
"The things I once enjoyed, like horse racing and fishing, are now overshadowed by guilt. The shame and withdrawal symptoms have left me mentally drained and withdrawn. However, I’m starting to look forward and hope to one day accept that this wasn’t my fault."

Legal Outcome

Stevens’ legal team at Leigh Day solicitors secured the settlement without the GP admitting liability. Medical negligence solicitor Angharad Vaughan commented:
"It is concerning that it took years for the side effects of Ropinirole to be acknowledged. This case underscores the need for patients to receive clear information about potential risks and withdrawal symptoms associated with medications."

Stevens hopes that sharing his story will raise awareness about the importance of informed consent and the risks of certain medications.

Reference:

1. "Man Wins £70,000 Payout After Medication Caused Compulsive Gambling." Salisbury Journal, December 13, 2024. Accessed December 17, 2024. https://www.salisburyjournal.co.uk/news/24795278.man-wins-70k-pay-out-medication-caused-compulsive-gambling/.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Josna Lewis/MSM)