Abilify (aripiprazole), the top-selling antipsychotic and/or bipolar disorder drug in the U.S., has been linked to compulsive behavior (side effects). Side effects such as compulsive gambling, hyper-sexuality, shopping, and binge eating have been linked to Abilify. It is believed that these behaviors are triggered by the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin in the brain, which are altered by Abilify.
The drug is manufactured and marketed by pharmaceutical giant Otsuka America and Bristol-Myers Squibb, and has approval by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). As with any psychiatric drug, the risk of side effects is present and some side effects can be severe. If you suffered complications of the drug and wish to explore legal options that might be available to you, speak with the Abilify lawyers at Gacovino, Lake & Associates.
Possible Side Effects of Antipsychotic Drugs
Abilify is an antipsychotic drug. The FDA has warned that certain side effects may be associated with antipsychotic drugs.
Some possible complications of Abilify are listed below.
- Death in elderly patients: Patients with dementia-related conditions who are prescribed an antipsychotic drug like Abilify might be at higher risk for death. Abilify is not approved for the treatment of patients with dementia-related psychosis
- Diabetes and high blood sugar: Abilify might increase the risk of developing high blood sugar, prediabetes or diabetes.
- Risk of suicidal thoughts or actions.
- Uncontrolled body movements (tardive dyskinesia). Abilify may cause movements that you cannot control in your face, tongue, or other body parts. Tardive dyskinesia may not go away, even if you stop receiving Abilify . Tardive dyskinesia may also start after you stop receiving Abilify .
- Compulsive behaviors, thoughts or actions.
These are just a few of the possible complications associated with antipsychotic drugs like Abilify. If you believe your condition is related to use of Abilify, our lawyers can help you investigate the link and establish your entitlement to damages. One of the most concerning complications associated with the drug for many users is compulsive behavior.
Abilify and Compulsive Gambling
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) warns about impulse-control problems associated with the mental health drug aripiprazole (Abilify, Abilify Maintena, Aristada). In addition, a “New Jersey judge … consolidated pretrial discovery and motions in lawsuits filed by nine plaintiffs … alleging popular antipsychotic drug Abilify led them to engage in compulsive gambling,” according to the New Jersey Law Journal.
The FDA warning, released in a May 3, 2016 safety communication states that, “Although pathological gambling is listed as a reported side effect in the current aripiprazole drug labels, this description does not entirely reflect the nature of the impulse-control risk that we identified. In addition, we have become aware of other compulsive behaviors associated with aripiprazole, such as compulsive eating, shopping, and sexual actions. These compulsive behaviors can affect anyone who is taking the medicine. As a result, we are adding new warnings about all of these compulsive behaviors to the drug labels and the patient Medication Guides for all aripiprazole products.”
Filing a Claim for Damages with Abilify Lawyers
If you have been affected by side effects of Abilify, you may need to enlist the help of Abilify attorneys. You will first need to establish that you have a viable claim. Your attorney can provide guidance to start your case against Otsuka America, Bristol-Myers Squibb or other liable parties.
You must be able to prove that your injury or illness exists by providing documentation such as medical records to support your claim. You must also be able to link your condition back to the effects of Abilify.
Further, you must establish liability of the manufacturer(s), Otsuka America and/or Bristol-Myers Squibb. Gacovino, Lake & Associates specializes in cases like this.
We can help you review the facts of your claim and develop a plan of action. Our focus is on ensuring victims of negligent pharmaceutical manufacturing or sales practices, or others harmed by medications, obtain reimbursement for their losses and damages. Call us today at (800) 550-0000 to set up a free case review. You can also complete the short and confidential form on our contact page to request a call back from our firm’s Abilify lawyers.
