Possible zoophilia associated with dopaminergic therapy in Parkinson disease

Ann Pharmacother. 2002 Jul-Aug;36(7-8):1178-9. doi: 10.1345/aph.1ph.1A277.

Abstract

Objective: To report a patient with Parkinson disease (PD) who developed zoophilia as a possible complication of dopaminergic therapy.

Case summary: A 74-year-old man with advanced PD, who had wearing-off motor fluctuations, with a marked disability during the off periods and severe peak-of-dose choreiform dyskinesias, developed hypersexuality with zoophilia 5 days after standard levodopa was substituted for controlled-release levodopa and the dose of bromocriptine was increased. The abnormal sexual behavior disappeared 2 days after the doses of standard levodopa and of bromocriptine were reduced.

Discussion: Hypersexuality is a known complication in PD patients undergoing dopaminergic therapy. However, the possible development of zoophilia due to these drugs, as was the case in our patient, is exceptional.

Conclusions: Zoophilia should be considered as a possible behavioral complication of dopaminergic therapy in PD patients.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Animals
  • Bromocriptine / adverse effects*
  • Dogs
  • Dopamine Agents / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Levodopa / adverse effects*
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders / chemically induced*
  • Parkinson Disease / drug therapy*
  • Sexual Behavior / drug effects*

Substances

  • Dopamine Agents
  • Bromocriptine
  • Levodopa