An Indiana man who claims he suffered damaging compulsive behavior due to Abilify use is suing the drug’s makers, Bristol-Myers Squibb and Otsuka Pharmaceuticals.

Plaintiff Nicholas M. alleges that in direct result of using the anti-pyschotic medication, he suffered a gambling addiction and other alleged Abilify side effects.

According to his Abilify lawsuit, Nicholas was prescribed Abilify in November 2010 and began compulsively gambling soon after.

The gambling and other dangerous and risky behaviors continued until Nicholas ceased taking Abilify in March 2013, in which he purports the compulsive drive to gamble stopped.

Nicholas claims he has lost over $45,000 to compulsive gambling and is seeking compensation for the financial loss.

He contends he did not learn of the potential Abilify side effects until 2014, when the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System reported a potential likelihood.

The Abilify lawsuit further claims that the manufacturing companies failed to warn Nicholas or his physician of these possible compulsive behaviors, and deliberately concealed the severity of the risks.

Nicholas insists that if he had known of the risks associated with taking Abilify, then he never would have agreed to take the drug.

Overview of Abilify Side Effects

Abilify (Aripiprazole) is an atypical antipsychotic medication, which is typically prescribed to treat severe mental disorders including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Approved by the FDA in 2002, the drug has since earned billions for Otsuka and Bristol-Myers Squibb.

The drug works by balancing the levels of dopamine and serotonin in the brain, to stabilize mood, thinking, and behaviors.

Even though the unique treatment mechanism has fueled its popularity, critics state that the direct interference with dopamine may spur unfortunate Abilify side effects.

These side effects primarily consist of compulsive behaviors that lead to massive financial loss such as shopping and gambling addictions.

Recent studies, with one being from the Institute of Safe Medication Practices (ISMP), have indicated that Abilify patients suffer these compulsive behaviors. Research suggests activating dopamine receptors could lead to lack of impulse control.

This is because dopamine is the chemical in the brain responsible for pleasure and reward sensations, signaling the patient to keep up the damaging behavior.

According to an FDA report, at least 54 adverse Abilify side effects reports were submitted from 2005 to 2013 that described impulsive behavior issues including:

• 32 compulsive gambling reports
• 12 impulsive behavior reports
• 9 hypersexuality reports
• 3 compulsive shopping reports

If you or a loved one was prescribed and took Abilify and subsequently suffered from a gambling addiction or other compulsive behaviors, you may have cause to file an Abilify lawsuit against the pharmaceutical companies.

The Abilify Lawsuit is Case No. 1:16-cv-00191 in the U.S. District Court of Southern Indiana.