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Shadow World

Noel Titheradge uncovers the devastating side effects of a class of prescription drugs which can cause hypersexuality and compulsive gambling.

Radio 4,11 episodes

Episodes

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Impulsive
Trailer
Noel Titheradge uncovers devastating side effects caused by a class of prescription drugs
10 Feb 2026,3 mins
Impulsive
1. Warning Signs
Bill’s new medication helps his Parkinson’s - but then he begins to behave impulsively.
16 Feb 2026,13 mins,
Impulsive
2. Wonder drugs
Steve starts chatting to camgirls online - how long can he keep it a secret?
17 Feb 2026,14 mins
Impulsive
3. Dopamine Hits
Freddie finds out his dad has recklessly invested his life savings in property overseas.
18 Feb 2026,13 mins
Impulsive
4. Big Pharma, Big Secret
Noel discovers a shocking report from inside the UK company that makes one of the drugs.
19 Feb 2026,14 mins
Impulsive
5. Restless
Lisa has new medication for her restless legs syndrome - then she meets a man online.
20 Feb 2026,13 mins
Impulsive
6. Chasing Losses
Lucy’s never tried a scratchcard before - but soon her gambling is out of control.
23 Feb 2026,14 mins
Impulsive
7. Missed connections
Lucy and Freddie finally make the connection between the behaviour and the medication.
24 Feb 2026,13 mins
Impulsive
8. Collateral
Andrew is arrested for fraud. Will a judge accept that medication affected his behaviour?
25 Feb 2026,14 mins
Impulsive
9. Blame Game
Who should take responsibility for the impact of side effects from dopamine agonists?
26 Feb 2026,13 mins
Impulsive
10. Reflections
Impulse control side effects are common, so why are they so hard to talk about?
27 Feb 2026,14 mins