Otsuka Pharmaceuticals and Bristol-Myers Squibb are facing a growing multidistrict litigation (MDL), consisting of product liability allegations from patients alleging they developed a gambling problem and other compulsive behaviors from the use of Abilify.

One of the most recently filed Abilify lawsuits comes from a man from Louisiana, alleging he developed a gambling problem during the course of his Abilify prescription.

Plaintiff Huey B. alleges his Abilify prescription was the direct cause of his gambling problem, stating he had no history of this behavior before. Like millions of other patients, Huey was prescribed Abilify to treat his mental disorder and was reassured the drug was a good choice based on the marketing materials presented by the company.

Abilify first entered the market in 2002 to be a treatment drug for people suffering from schizophrenia and other extreme mental disorders by balancing dopamine levels. Otsuka and Bristol-Myers Squibb allegedly presented the drug as safe to prescribe to patients, which was also reviewed by Huey’s physician.

According to the Abilify lawsuit, Huey was prescribed the medication on Jan. 1, 2013 and followed all prescription instructions and physician’s advice during the prescription.

The Abilify prescription reportedly lasted until Dec. 18, 2017, during which time Huey allegedly suffered serious monetary losses from a newly formed gambling problem.

The Abilify lawsuit states that Huey had no prior history of such behavior, alleging that the antipsychotic was the direct cause and that the pharmaceutical companies failed to disclose this possibility.

Overview of Abilify Complications

Abilify works by balancing the levels of dopamine and serotonin, which is supposed to produce positive feelings and overall mood balance. Dopamine is the brain chemical responsible for pleasure and reward sensations, which also interferes with the brain’s inhibitions.

This treatment mechanism has been allegedly causing patients to develop a gambling problem, along with other behaviors like compulsive shopping or compulsive sexual activity. This particular behavior makes the feelings of elation last longer, which entices patients to continue the behavior.

Post marketing reports of pathological gambling and other impulse control problems have been reported in conjunction with Abilify, regardless of whether or not the patient had previous history with these behaviors.

According to a recent study conducted by the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP), it was found that Abilify may carry the same risk of “severe impulse control disorders” as with total dopamine receptor medications.

While Abilify is only a partial dopamine receptor, researchers found that patients had developed serious compulsive behavioral problems in at least 37 injury reports.

Even though these complications can be potentially devastating to patients, Otsuka and Bristol-Myers allegedly failed to warn the general public, according to plaintiffs like Huey. He states he would not have agreed to take Abilify if he had known he could potentially develop a gambling problem.

Huey’s Abilify lawsuit is joining MDL No. 2734, where it will stand alongside other claims from patients who also allegedly developed a gambling problem and other compulsive behaviors.

By joining an MDL, Huey’s claim will be streamlined through the litigation process and will avoid potential problems like conflicting rulings from different judges.

This Abilify Gambling Problem Lawsuit is Case No. 3:18-cv-01342-MCR-CJK, in the U.S. District Court of Northern Florida, Pensacola Division.