Mirapex medication is typically prescribed with patients who are diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. Since Parkinson's Disease is thought to be the result of a shortage of dopamine in certain areas of the brain, Mirapex works by increasing the action of whatever dopamine that is remaining in these areas of the brain. In some cases, Mirapex is also prescribed to treat restless leg syndrome. Unfortunately, lawsuits in the U.S. and in Canada against Mirapex's manufacturers, Pfizer and Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, alleged that taking Mirapex has triggered certain addictions, such as gambling, shopping, sex, and eating. The first Mirapex lawsuit to go to trial resulted in $8.2 million dollar judgment in favor of a consumer who developed a serious gambling addiction, allegedly as result of taking the drug. The primary side effect being addressed in such lawsuits is compulsive behaviors, including gambling to extreme levels, which improved once there was a change in medication.