The U.S. Food & Drug Administration and complaints from dozens of users and their families have linked Abilify — and other brand names of the same medication — to significant side effects including compulsive behavior and gambling.
If you suffered from compulsive behaviors while taking Abilify and wish to explore the legal options that might be available to you, schedule a time to speak with an Abilify & compulsive gambling lawsuit lawyer at Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C.
You can reach our office at 631-600-0000. We offer complimentary consultations, and handle these cases on a contingency basis. That means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation in your case.
What Is the Link Between Abilify And Compulsive Behavior?
Abilify, Abilify Maintena, Aristada, and other medications containing aripiprazole can cause side effects including compulsive behaviors. This commonly includes gambling, but could also include other activities such as hypersexuality, shopping, and even binge eating.
These drugs are effective at treating several mental health conditions because they alter the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin in the brain. However, these changes may lead to negative effects, such as compulsive gambling mentioned above.
In many cases, people do not link this type of behavior with their medication immediately. This is especially true if they have demonstrated addiction issues or compulsive behavior in the past. However, there seems to be a strong correlation between this medication and these behaviors, so it is worth considering.
If you took one of these drugs and developed a gambling problem, do not hesitate to call us for a free case evaluation today. We may be able to help you recover compensation to cover what Abilify took from you, as well as damages for your emotional suffering, and punitive damages, in some cases.
What Do I Need to Know About the FDA Warning for Abilify?
On May 3, 2016, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) issued a safety communication warning users of aripiprazole about side effects related to impulse-control issues. This announcement followed a close look at reports of compulsive behaviors, especially gambling.
Between 2002 and 2016, the FDA identified 184 reports of impulse-control issues, including 164 related to gambling.
According to the FDA warning:
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.
This warning can help bolster our case against the drug manufacturers because it confirms the link between the medication and the compulsive behaviors at the heart of these lawsuits. We will still need to document your behaviors and losses and how they related to your use of Abilify or another product containing aripiprazole. We have the skill and resources to do this, and can make the process more straightforward for you.
What Is the Current Status of Abilify & Compulsive Gambling Lawsuits?
In the past few years, hundreds of people have come forward to file civil suits against the companies who manufacture and market aripiprazole. As the manufacturer of the top-selling brand name Abilify, most of these suits point to Bristol-Myers Squibb as the defendant. Many of those who suffered from impulse-control issues while taking this medication lost thousands while gambling, shopping, or engaging in other compulsive behaviors.
The U.S. Judicial Panel on Multi-District Litigation consolidated the lawsuits, which are under the jurisdiction of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida for discovery, saving the individual victims money and making this process quicker and easier for each plaintiff.
If you developed a compulsive habit or gambling addiction while taking Abilify, you need to enlist the help of a knowledgeable Abilify lawsuit attorney. We can help you understand if you have a viable claim, document your losses, and provide the guidance you need to file for compensation based on your losses and emotional suffering.
How Can I Talk with an Abilify and Compulsive Gambling Lawsuit Lawyer?
If you believe your impulse control or compulsive behaviors occurred because of your use of Abilify, our lawyers can help you investigate the link and establish your entitlement to damages. 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. And remember, we handle all cases on a contingency basis which means you do not pay us anything unless you win your case.
Call Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C. today at 631-600-0000 to set up a free case review.
