Shadow World Impulsive: 9. Blame Game
Feb 13, 2026
A journalist probes links between Parkinson’s medications and severe impulsive behaviours. The story follows one solicitor’s collapse after treatment and the family fallout, including a suicide. Investigations reveal hundreds of similar reports, legal actions, industry responses and regulator debates. The episode examines drug warnings, prescribing trends and calls for clearer information.
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Devastating Impact On A Solicitor
- Andrew, a respected solicitor, defrauded clients while on Parkinson's dopamine agonists and was imprisoned.
- He stopped the drugs, suffered severe withdrawal and Parkinson's return, and later died by suicide in 2020.
Family Turns Discovery Into Campaign
- Freddie discovered his father Bill's impulsive losses after reading a medication leaflet and launched awareness efforts online.
- He built a Twitter bot and blog to warn others about dopamine agonists and found research calling for boxed warnings.
Early Knowledge Vs. Public Labelling
- GlaxoSmithKline knew of links between its drug and 'deviant sexual behaviour' in 2003 but did not use that language in leaflets.
- GSK told the BBC the drug has a well-characterised safety profile and reports were shared with regulators.