Mirapex and Binge Eating: What Users Say

• Jim...
• February 12, 2019

For Restless Legs Syndrome "I have had RLS all my life. After trying several medications, my mother-in-law read an article in one of the senior magazines talking about RLS and using a Parkinson medication for the treatment of RLS. I talked to my doctor, and he prescribed it, and it was wonderful. Finally, I was able to get some sleep. But then it happened... Keep in mind, I never set foot in a casino. I was careful with my money, but a few years into my treatment, once my dosage had increased to about 1mg, I went to a casino and tried a slot machine. From that point on, I was hooked. I have lost so much money going to casinos, it has made my life so sad and depressing. No one actually believes you, the medication has this hideous addiction side effect. You struggle day after day with this addiction and other addictions as well, overeating and increased sexual urge. I tried several times to get off Mirapex, but it is impossible. I couldn't sleep for over 5 days, and the symptoms of RLS were 10 times worse."

• Pat...
• January 31, 2018

For Restless Legs Syndrome "I am 77 years old. My father suffered (I am sure) with RLS undiagnosed and was prescribed sedatives. Mine began in my late forties, and for years, I just didn't sleep more than two or three hours a night until I happened to tell a friend who also suffered from RLS. She was taking Mirapex and gave me three of hers. I took one the first night, and it was a miracle. I began taking 0.25 dosage. Eventually, I was upped to 0.50, then 0.75, the dosage I'm on now. It works, for sure, and I can't imagine life without it, but my eating is out of control. It's a compulsion for me. If I fast, I'm okay, but as soon as I eat, I can't stop. During the day, I find myself snacking when I know I'm not really hungry, and at night I eat a full plate of food and could easily eat another. Later I can't believe what I ate, how much I ate, or the fact that I never felt full or at least embarrassed that I ate more than anyone else. Does anyone else have this problem?"

• TMH...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 19, 2023

For Restless Legs Syndrome "I have had mild RLS for about 20 years. But over the past 6 months, it's increased to the point of symptoms most nights. I was exhausted and sleep-deprived, so the doctor prescribed Mirapex. It does work very well to control the RLS, but I have been struggling with overeating! I have gained 6 lbs this month. I would describe it as almost not realizing how much I'm eating, not feeling full or satisfied, and eating though I'm not hungry. Feeling compelled, if that makes sense. Right now, I don't want to stop the Mirapex because it works so well for the RLS, and I don't have any other side effects or problems, just overeating. I'll likely see what the doctor suggests and check out forums for some advice. My advice is, if you want to try this drug, realize that you might get some behavioral side effects and have your family be aware it might be a possibility so it doesn't get out of hand."