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Women on common drugs report ‘cruising the streets for sex semi-naked’ – due to little-known side effect

TWENTY women have come forward to reveal how common medicines led to dangerous and impulsive sexual behaviours.

They say they were never warned about the devastating side effects of dopamine agonist drugs, taken by potentially hundreds of thousands of Brits.

Close-up of a distressed senior woman covering her face with her hands.
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One woman recalls leaving her house at dawn to seek out sex, wearing a see-through top and jacket (stock picture of model)[/caption]

Some women told the BBC they were compelled to engage in risky sexual behaviour, like flashing in public, and had no idea what was driving it.

Others claim they felt compelled to gamble or shop with no history of such activities.

One accumulated debts of more than £150,000.

These drugs are primarily used to treat Parkinson’s disease, which around 145,000 people in the UK.

They’re also used to treat restless leg syndrome (RLS), which affects up to three million Brits.

Not everyone with Parkinson’s or RLS takes dopamine agonist drugs, but they are a common treatment option for many people.

A report by drugs firm GSK confirms a link between these medications and “deviant” sexual behaviour, including incidents like a sexual assault on a child.

Yet, there was no mention of this in the patient leaflets.

The UK medicines watchdog says there’s a general warning about increased libido and harmful behaviour.

GSK says a risk of “altered” sexual interest is also referred to in the leaflets.

What is restless leg syndrome?

RESTLESS Legs Syndrome (RLS), also called Willis-Ekbom disease, is a condition that causes an irresistible urge to move your legs.

It often comes with a crawling or creeping sensation in your feet, calves, and thighs, usually worse in the evening or at night.

Some people also feel it in their arms.

Around 2 to 3 million people in the UK are affected by RLS.

While the exact cause isn’t always clear, it’s believed that low dopamine levels play a key role.

In some cases, RLS is linked to conditions like iron deficiency, kidney disease, or pregnancy.

The symptoms can vary from mild to severe, with severe cases causing significant distress and sleep disruptions.

Treatment for RLS may include lifestyle changes, such as improving sleep habits and regular exercise, as well as iron supplements if iron deficiency is a factor.

In more severe cases, medication may be prescribed to help regulate dopamine levels and relieve symptoms.

Source: NHS CHOICES

Like many women, Claire first developed RLS during her pregnancies.

The relentless need to move was often accompanied by sleeplessness and a crawling sensation under her skin.

The condition persisted after giving birth and she was prescribed the dopamine agonist drug Ropinirole, manufactured by GSK.

It initially worked wonders for her RLS, she said, but after a year or so she began feeling unprecedented sexual urges.

“The only way I could describe it is it was just deviant”, she explained.

She said the medication made her act in ways she never would have before, even engaging in risky sexual encounters in dangerous places.

Claire recalls leaving her house at dawn to seek out sex, wearing a see-through top and jacket.

She says she would flash her chest at any man she could find.

She did this often, in riskier spots, even though she had a partner.

Claire had no idea the drug was to blame until years later – when she stopped taking it and the urges disappeared.

Organising phone sex with strangers

Sarah was in her 50s when she was prescribed another dopamine agonist drug made by a different manufacturer.

“Previously I’d have had no interest if Brad Pitt walked in the room naked,” she said.

“But it turned me into this raging woman who kept taking sexual addiction further.”

Sarah started selling used underwear and explicit videos online, while also organising phone sex with strangers.

She also developed a compulsive shopping habit, accumulating £30,000 in debt.

To cope with the effects of the dopamine agonist, she turned to painkillers and sleeping pills and eventually landed in rehab.

This led to losing her driving license and her job.

What is Parkinson's disease?

PARKINSON'S is a progressive neurological condition.

It causes symptoms like tremors (shaking), slow movements, and muscle stiffness.

It can also lead to problems with balance, memory, sleep, and mood, such as depression and anxiety.

People with Parkinson’s don’t have enough of the chemical dopamine in their brain because some of the nerve cells that make it have stopped working.

Around 145,000 people live with Parkinson’s in the UK.

It’s the fastest growing neurological condition in the world.

Symptoms start to appear when the brain can’t make enough dopamine to control movement properly.

This usually happens around the age of 50, but some people might see the first signs in their 40s.

There are over 40 symptoms, but the three main ones are:

  • A tremor (shaking)
  • Slowness of movement
  • Rigidity (muscle stiffness)

There are several different treatments, therapies and support available to help manage the condition.

Dopamine agonists are a common treatment option.

Source: Parkinson’s UK

Impulsive behaviours, such as gambling and heightened sex drive, have long been listed as side effects of dopamine agonist drugs.

These affect an estimated six per cent to 17 per cent of RLS patients, according to NICE.

The NHS defines a “common” side effect as one that impacts just one per cent of users.

The drugs mimic dopamine, a brain chemical that helps control movement and pleasure.

But agonist drugs can over-stimulate these feelings and under-stimulate the appreciation of consequences – leading to impulsive behaviour.

In 2011, four Parkinson’s disease patients took legal action against GSK, claiming Ropinirole caused gambling debts and ruined relationships.

They argued that, despite studies linking the drug to these behaviours since 2000, GSK didn’t add warnings until 2007.

The case was settled, but GSK denied any responsibility.

Torturing cats

Serious side effects have been reported worldwide, particularly in relation to the use of drugs for Parkinson’s disease

In France, a man won damages after Ropinirole triggered compulsive homosexual urges, while another man with no criminal record started torturing cats.

In the US, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine warns the drugs should only be used short-term, like in end-of-life care.

Dr Guy Leschziner, a consultant neurologist, said the drugs still play an important role but he believes that drug companies, health authorities and doctors need to better warn patients of these side effects.

“Not everybody knows the kinds of really quite dramatic changes that can occur,” he explained.

In a statement, GSK told the BBC Ropinirole had been prescribed for more than 17 million treatments and undergone “extensive clinical trials”.

It added the drug had proven to be effective and had a “well-characterised safety profile”.

“As with all medicines, [it] has potential side effects and these are clearly stated in the prescribing information,” it said.

‘Altered or increased sexual interest’

In response to its 2003 research linking the drug to “deviant” sexual behaviour, GSK told the new organisation that it shared the findings with health authorities.

This led to updates in the prescribing information, which now lists “altered or increased sexual interest” and “behaviour of significant concern” as side effects.

The current patient information leaflet for Ropinirole mentions changes in sexual interest five times, mostly warning that such feelings could become “abnormally high,” “excessive,” or “increase[d].”

The UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), said that while a specific reference to “deviant” sexual behaviour is not included in warnings, such impulses vary and a general warning about activities which may be harmful is included.

It also stressed the importance of healthcare professionals explaining the potential risks to patients, highlighting that not everyone experiences these side effects.

The Department of Health and Social Care declined to comment.

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Glastonbury fans convinced legendary noughties band have signed up for festival as late announcement after tour clue

FESTIVAL goers were thrilled when the official line-up for Glastonbury was FINALLY announced, with lots of top acts set to play.

However, fans have come up with a theory about this year’s festival – and are now convinced they know who else will join the bill.

Large crowd at Glastonbury Festival in front of the Pyramid Stage.
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Glastonbury will welcome some huge names this summer[/caption]
Glastonbury Festival 2025 lineup.
Instagram / @glastofest
The Glastonbury 2025 line-up was released last week[/caption]
The Wombat band photo.
Spotify
Fans think the Wombats will be heading to Worthy Farm this year[/caption]

Last week, fans went wild when it was announced that The 1975, Olivia Rodrigo, and Neil Young will all headline the famous Pyramid Stage this summer.

These huge acts will be joined by other members of music royalty, both new and old at Worthy Farm between June 25 and 29.

However, fans are still speculating there are other acts still to be released.

They are now convinced that noughties Indie band Wombats will be playing the iconic festival.

Hailing from Liverpool, the group are known for songs like Greek Tragedy and Let’s Dance to Joy Division.

It comes after the group revealed they were heading back out on tour this summer.

Discussing this on Reddit, one fan said: “Thought the Wombats be a shoo-in with their new album and them touring (playing Liverpool June 19th), wonder if a band of this size could get announced later on?”

Another agreed: “I think they’ll play Other stage first band of the festival!”

This fan added: “I’m also praying for a Wombats announcement!

“You’d think it’d be likely.”

BIG LINE-UP

The Eavis family – who’s farm the iconic festival has been held at since its creation – work hard to find the perfect blend of acts.

This year’s festival has something for everyone,which includes a mix of heavy rock, indie, rap, jazz, acoustic, or dance.

Other highlights at this year’s Glasto includes Rod Stewart, who will perform his classic tracks in the Sunday afternoon legends slot.

Loyle Carner is headlining the Other Stage on the Friday, while Charli XCX is also performing.

Olivia Rodrigo performing on stage.
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Olivia Rodrigo is bringing pop-punk to Worthy Farm[/caption]

Sunday night will see dance legends The Prodigy close the Other Stage.

Raye and US rapper Doechii are also heading to Glastonbury, as are the Deftones and Amyl and the Sniffers.

Other acts performing are Ezra Collective, Noah Kahan, The Libertines, Nile Rodgers and Chic, Wolf Alice and Biffy Clyro.

Alanis Morissette, Busta Rhymes, Gracie Abrams, and Creedence Clearwater Revival’s John Fogerty are also on the bill.

Rod Stewart performing onstage at a benefit concert.
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Sir Rod Stewart is in the legends slot[/caption]

Little Mix star Jade Thirlwall is performing at the event for the first time fresh from winning Best Pop Act at the Brits.

Britpop veterans Supergrass, rising star Myles Smith, indie stars Wunderhorse and Inhaler, Weezer, country star Shaboozey and noughties art rockers Franz Ferdinand are dotted around the line-up.

RUMOUR MILL

There are still some heavily rumoured names that haven’t made the cut.

Fan theories of who else could be heading to Glastonbury, have been popping up left, right and centre.

This includes Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan.

Fans are also convinced that Basement Jaxx will be add to the bill.

Neil Young performing on stage with a guitar.
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Neil Young is set for a big summer here in the UK[/caption]
Matt Healy of The 1975 playing a red guitar on stage.
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Matty Healy’s 1975 is headlining in the Friday night[/caption]

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Cheltenham Festival 2025 LIVE: Race results, updates and winners from Day 1

Cheltenham Festival 2025: Day One
Cheltenham Festival is upon us (Picture: Getty)

The opening day of Cheltenham Festival 2025 is here as a feast of horse racing action underway.

Day 1 brings us Champion Day with seven races taking place on the famous track with the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle raising the curtain.

Six more races will follow over the course of the afternoon, concluding with the National Hunt Chase.

Metro‘s live blog will have race results, winners and updates throughout the day across all seven races with all the latest betting tips and odds to help you bag a few winners.

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Martin Lewis offers urgent ‘ASAB’ warning to holidaymakers in 2025

Martin Lewis on a holiday background, giving a warning about travel insurance.
The UK’s unofficial chancellor has urgent advice for anyone heading on holiday. (Picture: Rex/Getty)

Martin Lewis has spent his entire career saving the nation dosh, with his latest pearl of wisdom being no exception – and it’s an urgent warning for anyone with a holiday booked this year.

Speaking on his ITV series, The Martin Lewis Money Show Live, the consumer finance expert extolled the virtues of travel insurance and why it is so vital to UK travellers.

With many now planning their summer getaways, putting contingencies in place for if a worst-case scenario does occur is an essential step in ensuring you don’t lose thousands of pounds

And contrary to what you may believe – or have managed to get away with in the past – this extends long before you board the plane.

Martin Lewis’ latest travel insurance advice

‘Travel insurance is not just to cover you while you’re away,’ warned Martin, ‘It’s also very important to cover you in case something happens before you go that stops you from going.’

The Money Saving Expert (MSE founder) shared a rule to help viewers remember this: ‘Get your travel insurance ASAB – as soon as you book.’

Further stressing the importance of getting cover sorted, he continued: ‘Right now, many people have already booked and, if you don’t have your travel insurance… do it right now!’

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The money guru then explained his reasoning for hammering home the advice, saying: ‘Every year, something asks me a question that goes something like “I’ve been diagnosed with cancer. We can’t go on the holiday. They’re saying we can’t have our money back. What do I do?” And I’m impotent. Because the answer is – you get on your travel insurance.’

Later in the show, an email MSE had received last year was read to the audience, spelling out that exact scenario – someone who had been medically advised not to fly, and lost all of the money they had spent, due to a lack of travel insurance.

‘Please don’t be the person who asks me that question this summer,’ Martin responded. ‘If you’re going to get travel insurance; ASAB.’

Martin Lewis reiterated his advice was ‘100% a warning’. (Picture: X)

On X, Martin was challenged as to whether this warranted the term warning or if it was simply ‘best practice’, replying: ‘Forgive me but it is 100% a warning.

‘If you got the emails I got from desperate people who’ve had a serious health diagnosis in the summer and can’t afford to lose the holiday money. You’d warn people too.’

And travel insurance protects you from a number of other issues that may arise before your trip too, from extreme weather that prevents you from flying to geopolitical events that deem your destination too dangerous.

Comment nowHave you booked your travel insurance ASAB (As Soon As Booked)?Comment Now

‘Comprehensive coverage is key,’ Nicky Kelvin, Editor at Large at The Points Guy, previously told Metro. ‘It is always best to ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance organised once you’ve booked your holiday.’

How to get cheap travel insurance

If you are yet to arrange travel insurance for an upcoming break, hopefully Martin Lewis’s words will sufficiently motivate you to do so.

Fortunately, the Money Saving Expert website provides a Cheap Travel Insurance Finder tool to help holidaymakers find the ideal travel insurance for them at a price point that works.

But whichever policy you go for, heed the warning and avoid burying your head in the sand until your suitcase is packed: ASAB is always best.

If you want more tips and tricks on saving money, as well as chat about cash and alerts on deals and discounts, join our Facebook Group, Money Pot.

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