Bristol Myers Squibb and Otsuka Pharmaceuticals are facing a growing multidistrict litigation (MDL), consisting of product liability claims alleging Abilify gambling problems.

One of the most recent claims was recently filed by a woman from Louisiana, who alleges she developed serious Abilify gambling problems soon after the prescription was started.

Plaintiff Tammy R. alleges that the pharmaceutical companies had failed to warn her against Abilify gambling problems, which caused her serious financial difficulties.

Usage of Abilify

Like millions of other patients, Tammy was prescribed Abilify (aripiprazole) to treat the symptoms of her mental disorder.

Abilify works by balancing the dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain, which is supposed to produce ideal mood balance. Dopamine is the brain chemical responsible for reward and pleasure sensations, which is also supposed to encourage positive emotions and other feelings of elation.

However it has been alleged that this treatment mechanism can cause Abilify gambling problems and other compulsive behaviors, with the treatment mechanism encouraging patients to keep up with the behavior to make the feelings of elation last longer.

This was allegedly the case with Tammy, who reportedly developed Abilify gambling problems from the drug’s treatment mechanism. According to the Abilify lawsuit, Tammy had been prescribed the medication on Aug. 4, 2007, and had taken the medication according to prescription instructions until it ended on March 26, 2014.

During all times relevant, Tammy claims she did not deviate from prescription instructions and did not have any reason to be wary of any serious drug side effects. During the course of her prescription, Tammy had allegedly developed Abilify gambling problems and suffered extreme monetary losses.

Tammy opted to file legal action, after discovering that Bristol Myers and Otsuka either knew or should have known that Abilify could potentially cause compulsive behavior problems.

Overview of Abilify Compulsive Behaviors

Abilify first entered the market in 2002 to treat extreme mental disorders like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and Tourette syndrome, and has been prescribed to thousands of patients. Recently, Rexulti was approved in 2015 to be the successor of Abilify and is a more potent variant of the medication.

However, both of these medications can potentially induce compulsive behaviors like gambling and shopping in patients. According to a recent study conducted by the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP), researchers found that medications that activate dopamine receptors can cause “severe impulse control disorders.”

While Abilify is only classified as a partial dopamine receptor, researchers noted at least 37 injury reports indicating Abilify compulsive behavioral problems.

Even though the drug’s treatment mechanism can potentially cause Abilify gambling problems, Otsuka and Bristol Myers allegedly failed to warn the general public. Tammy states she would not have agreed to take the medication, if she had been aware of the potential risk of developing Abilify gambling problems.

Tammy’s Abilify lawsuit is joining MDL No. 2734, where it will stand alongside other claims alleging Abilify gambling problems. By joining an MDL, Tammy’s claim will be streamlined through the litigation process and will avoid potential problems like conflicting rulings from different judges.

This Abilify Lawsuit is Case No. 3:18-cv-01498-MCR-GRJ, in the U.S. District Court of Northern Florida, Pensacola Division.