Abilify (ariprazole) is an antipsychotic drug manufactured by Bristol-Meyers Squibb and Otsuka Pharmaceuticals that is used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major depressive disorders.

Additionally, some physicians prescribe the drug off-label to treat symptoms or irritability, mood swings, aggression and other behavioral issues including those associated with autism spectrum disorders.

But in all cases, like with any pharmaceutical drugs, Abilify side effects should be expected.

Abilify and Side Effects

Approved by the FDA in 2002,  Abilify currently has sales exceeding $6 billion per year.

Abilify side effects are mostly mild and eventually reduce or fade with continued use. However, some side effects that have been associated with Abilify have only worsened as time passed, causing devastation not just to patients, but to entire families.

Mild to moderate side effects of Abilify include the following:

• Anxiety
• Blurred vision
• Constipation
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Insomnia
• Lightheadedness
• Nausea/upset stomach
• Weakness

On the more severe scale, a somewhat surprising side effect of Abilify that has been demonstrated is an increase in compulsive behaviors.

Abilify and Gambling Addiction

A number of compulsive behaviors have been linked with Abilify use including sexual compulsive behavior, binge eating, compulsive shopping behavior and gambling addiction. Of the behaviors, gambling problems appear to be the most prevalent.

Gambling problems and gambling addiction can be devastating to patients and their families. The seemingly reckless and irresponsible behavior of a loved one, coupled with severe financial damage, is sometimes more than a family can withstand.

Research Links Abilify and Gambling Addiction

In October 2014, a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that medicines like Abilify were associated with an increased risk of developing impulse control problems. These medications, called dopamine agonists, are thought to possibly overstimulate the dopamine reward receptors in the brain, thus triggering compulsive behavior.

Abilify Lawsuit Filings

Plaintiff Nicholas M. recently filed a lawsuit against Bristol-Meyers Squibb and Otsuka Pharmaceuticals in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Louisiana. Nicholas alleges that Abilify caused him to develop a gambling addition that cost him gambling losses of $45,000 since he began using the drug in November 2010.

Nicholas claims that once he stopped taking Abilify, the gambling problem stopped. However, the financial losses he has suffered from the gambling addiction have left him with hefty economic damages, he claims.

In his lawsuit, Nicholas stated, “The injurious impact of Abilify on Plaintiff’s brain constitutes a physical injury, and as a result of Abilify use, Plaintiff has suffered, and will continue to suffer, neuro-psychiatric and physical injury, emotional distress, harm, and economic loss as alleged herein.”

Additional Abilify lawsuits have been filed across the country alleging that the drug makers knew or should have known about the increased risk of gambling addition that Abilify users face, and accuse them from withholding such information from patients and physicians.

If you or a loved one has dealt with a gambling addiction following the use of Abilify, you may be entitled to receive legal compensation for the damages suffered. An Abilify lawyer can review your case and can help you determine if you qualify to file a lawsuit against the drug manufacturers.