Parkinson's disease drugs can turn patients into sex and gambling addicts, according to new research.

The pills can also increase the risk of compulsive shopping and binge eating - having disastrous personal, professional and financial consequences if not recognised, suggests the study.

Previous research has suggested up to one in seven people taking the medications develop these impulse control disorders (ICDs) - but the problem is "probably more prevalent", according to a review.

Researchers say patients often lack insight and underestimate the presence and severity of ICDs and related conditions.

Treatments include adjusting doses, deep brain stimulation and a counseling technique called cognitive behavioral therapy.

A previous nationwide study found about one in seven Parkinson's sufferers (14%) experience at least one ICD - with men most prone.

They are more likely to display 'hypersexuality' and pathological gambling while women are more vulnerable to compulsive eating and buying.

Potentially catastrophic consequences include financial ruin, divorce and loss of employment, say neurologists in Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics.

Dr Jose Biller, of Loyola University in the United States, and colleagues said the main risk factor for ICDs is the use of a class of Parkinson's drugs called dopamine agonists which help control tremors and other symptoms.

They include pramipexole sold under the brand name Mirapex and ropinirole - also known as Requip.

Other risk factors include smoking, alcohol abuse and personality traits such as impulsivity, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression and anxiety.

Read more: Solicitor blames Parkinson's pills after blowing stolen £600k on sex services and antiques

Management of ICDs is particularly difficult and no treatment guidelines in Parkinson's patients are available.

The researchers said treatment should be individualised and careful selection of specific interventions is critical.

Pills on blue background
Pills on blue background

Therapies that have been considered include switching, reducing or discontinuing medications but this can be challenging.

Patients often are reluctant to change because they do not want their tremors to get worse.

They can also experience withdrawal symptoms when taken off dopamine agonists including anxiety, panic attacks, depression, irritability and fatigue.

Alternative strategies that may help control ICDs include anti-depressants, anti-psychotics and anti-epileptic drugs.

Other potential non-drug treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy and a "brain pacemaker" called deep brain stimulation where electrodes are implanted.

These are connected to a small battery under the skin to generate electrical signals to stimulate the brain.

Dr Biller said: "Families also play a critical role. Spouses and other family members should be warned Parkinson's medications can cause ICDs.

"Families should report to the patient's physician any 'unexplained absences, changes in routine behaviours, irritability, hiding evidence of the impulse control disorders and monetary consequences.

"Helpful non-pharmacological approaches include limiting access to bank accounts, credit cards and the internet."

Parkinson's is a degenerative condition that occurs when nerve cells in the brain die, causing a lack of the chemical dopamine.

This, in turn, interferes with movement and co-ordination. Parkinson's drugs attempt to replace the missing dopamine.

Every hour, someone in the UK is told they have Parkinson's. One person in every 500 has Parkinson's - about 127,000 in the UK.

Most people who get Parkinson's are aged 50 or over but younger people can get it too. There is currently no cure.

Famous sufferers include actor Michael J Fox, boxing legend Muhammad Ali and comedian Billy Connolly.