PD and impulse control
 

I have recently started seeing a gentleman with pd. We have been friends for awhile but have been getting closer in the last month or so. I also have health concerns of a different type. I think he is probably in the mid to later stages of the disease but I am not totally sure. I have feelings for him but one aspect of his behavior is concerning. He tends to become obsessive /compulsive over things--especially sexuality. It seems like it comes out of the blue. I have read a bit about this and it seems to be a side effect of the medication. Sometimes he is so pushy that I become afraid for my safely. I don't think this would be his normal behavior if not for the pd. We have already broken up once because of this, but as I said, I do care for him so I gave him another chance and now it is even worse. I don't know if this is the correct place to ask such a questions, but I would like some advice on how to handle this from people who know best. Thanks.

Hi Maxie,

Yes, you are correct, hyper-sexuality is one of several impulsive and compulsive behaviors that can be associated with PD drugs. These behaviors are quite common as a side effect of a class of drugs called Dopamine Agonists (Pramipexole, Ropinirole and Rotigotine). Do you know what drugs he is taking? I highly suggest the two of you discuss this with his doctor (hopefully a PD specialist called a Movement Disorder Specialist). I have also linked a few articles below for you to read.

Good luck,

Gary


Gambling, Sex, and…Parkinson's Disease? - Parkinson's Disease Foundation (PDF)
Impulse Control Disorders in Parkinson's Disease | American Parkinson Disease Association
Parkinson's UK - Parkinson's drugs and impulsive and compulsive behaviour

PD and impulse control
 

Thank you for the links. I don't know for sure what he is on. He did say what he takes is a combination of two different drugs. I don't think he sees a PD specialist. We both see the same neurologist. I go because of migraines. He is also not undergoing any therapies. His speech has gotten worse over the last little while but he says he cannot afford the co pays for speech therapy. He has early onset PD. He is in his 50s and has had PD for quite awhile. Thanks for the suggestion to go to the dr together. I hadn't thought of that and since we see the same one, it should work well.