BEIJING, April 15 --  A class of drugs has been found to cause destructive behaviors such as compulsive gambling or hyper-sexuality among Parkinson's patients, a new study has found.

    One in six patients developed unhealthy behaviors after taking therapeutic doses of compounds called dopamine agonists, according to researchers at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

    Lower doses of dopamine agonists appear to curb compulsive acting out, says the study.

    "It is crucial for clinicians prescribing dopamine agonists to apprise patients as well as their spouses or partners about this potential side effect. The onset can be insidious and overlooked until life-altering problems develop," says a Mayo Clinic neurologist, J. Eric Ahlskog.

    "It also is worth noting that the affected patients were all taking therapeutic doses. Very low doses, like those used to treat restless legs syndrome, carry much less risk."

    (Source: China Daily/Agencies)