Researchers have recently linked popular antipsychotic Abilify (aripiprazole) to sudden compulsive behaviors in patients.

In particular, Abilify compulsive gambling has been reported numerous times by patients soon after being prescribed the medication.

Recent studies indicate Abilify may over-stimulate the brain’s reward mechanism, making certain exciting activities like gambling or shopping even more enticing than usual.

Abilify was approved by the FDA in 2002 and has since become a popular treatment choice for mental disorders like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

Soon after Abilify was released, Otsuka America Pharmaceuticals Inc. and Bristol Myers Squibb experienced great economic success in Abilify sales.

However, post marketing research indicates Abilify compulsive gambling may be a significant problem for some patients, regardless of whether or not they have a history of compulsion problems.

This medication is believed to work by leveling the brain’s dopamine and serotonin receptors, thereby improving thinking, mood, and behavior.

Scientists believe that by interacting directly with dopamine, the brain chemical responsible for reward and pleasure sensors, Abilify may be causing control problems in patients.

Patients have reported Abilify compulsive gambling, shopping, and hypersexuality soon after starting the medication.

Overview of Abilify Compulsive Problems

One of the most significant studies to observe this correlation found that Abilify and other medications that active dopamine receptors could potentially lead to “severe impulse control disorders” in some patients.

Researchers explained that this behavior may be caused by stimulating dopamine levels, increasing the sense of reward associated with certain activities.

Researchers have also found at least 37 reports of Abilify compulsive behavior problems, pointing that “none of the dopamine receptor agonist drugs” approved by the FDA carry black box warning for impulse control problems.

On May 3, 2016, the FDA warned patients against potential Abilify compulsive gambling, shopping, eating, and hypersexuality.

While most patients report that the gambling and other compulsive behaviors stop after ceasing the medication, by that time their compulsive gambling may have already caused significant financial loss.

Both European and Canadian health officials reportedly required the manufacturing companies to update the drug’s warning label to include potential Abilify compulsive gambling years before the FDA did.

Even though these are very serious problems for patients, Otsuka and Bristol-Myers Squibb allegedly failed to warn about compulsive gambling.

Patients who may have been affected by Abilify compulsive behaviors may be able to file legal action against the manufacturing companies. Potential claimants should contact a knowledgeable Abilify attorney to determine eligibility for an Abilify lawsuit.