£70,000 payout over drug-induced gambling addiction risks

Man wins £70,000 after medication triggered devastating gambling addiction

A 66-year-old man from Hampshire has won £70,000 in a legal settlement after developing a severe gambling addiction linked to a common medication. Phil Stevens began taking ropinirole for Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) but was never warned about its potential side effects. His uncontrollable urges led to financial ruin and impulsive spending before he took legal action. Stevens first started ropinirole to manage his RLS symptoms. The dopamine agonist, also prescribed for Parkinson's and other neurological conditions, triggered a dramatic change in his behaviour. Without realising the cause, he spent all his savings and even sold a rental property to fund his gambling habit.

His family initially blamed his erratic actions on multiple sclerosis, unaware of the drug's risks. Alongside gambling, Stevens made reckless purchases, including £6,500 on fishing equipment. He later sued his GP, arguing he had not been informed about possible impulse control disorders. The case settled for £70,000, though no liability was admitted. Since 2015, the UK has seen no litigated cases of ropinirole-related impulse control loss, despite around 150 adverse event reports under the MHRA's Yellow Card scheme. Julie Gould of RLS UK now advises GPs to reserve dopamine agonists for severe cases only. Lawyer Angharad Vaughan from Leigh Day stressed that better awareness could prevent similar harm. Meanwhile, Dr. Michael Mulholland of the Royal College of GPs confirmed that RLS training will be added to the 2025 GP curriculum.

The settlement highlights the risks of unchecked medication side effects. Stevens' experience has prompted calls for clearer warnings and stricter prescribing guidelines. With updated GP training on the way, future patients may receive better protection against such consequences.