Bristol-Myers Squibb and Otsuka Pharmaceuticals are facing a growing multidistrict litigation (MDL) from numerous patients alleging Abilify pathological gambling. One of the most recent Abilify lawsuits comes from an Illinois man alleging serious financial damages that were in direct consequences of Abilify pathological gambling.

Plaintiff Paul O. decided to file legal action against the pharmaceutical giants after discovering numerous other patients had incurred financial loss in alleged result of Abilify pathological gambling.

Abilify is a very popular medication that works by manipulating the dopamine levels in the brain.

By manipulating the brain chemical responsible for pleasure and reward, Abilify is supposed to produce ideal mood balance. According to the Abilify lawsuit, Paul had been prescribed the medication for typical treatment purposes on Dec. 7, 2011.

To maintain his mental health, Paul is still on his Abilify prescription and is continuing to benefit from the promised ideal mood balance. However, this medication allegedly caused Paul to develop Abilify pathological gambling at some point during this prescription.

Due to the alleged Abilify-induced pathological gambling, Paul says he has also suffered mental anguish and similar injuries due to his severe financial losses. At all times relevant, Paul had only used the medication for its intended treatment purpose and did not deviate from prescription instructions.

In addition, the companies are accused of allegedly failing to disclose potential Abilify pathological gambling to Paul and his physician before his starting the prescription. Paul states that he never would have agreed to take the medication, if he had known about the risks of potential Abilify pathological gambling and other compulsive behaviors.

Overview of Abilify Pathological Gambling and Compulsive Behaviors

Since the drug’s approval in 2002, Abilify has been prescribed to millions of patients suffering from a variety of mental disorders including: depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and Tourette Syndrome.

Post marketing reports, however, have indicated that Abilify pathological gambling can develop suddenly, along with other damaging compulsive behaviors. It has been alleged that the drug’s treatment mechanism, the dopamine and serotonin manipulation, may shut down the patient’s inhibitions that would prevent such behaviors.

Most of the behaviors reported involve financial loss, with Abilify pathological gambling or shopping mentioned, but hypersexuality has also been reported. It is important to note that both European and Canadian health officials have required Otsuka and Bristol-Myers to add warnings regarding potential Abilify pathological gambling. Even with this requirement abroad, American health officials do not require or apply the same warning.

But healthcare professionals are becoming increasingly aware of the drug’s potential complications.

According to a recent study conducted by the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP), it was found that medications that activate dopamine receptors can result in “severe impulse control disorders.” Researchers have found compulsive behavior problems indicated in at least 37 reports, and were concerned over the fact that the FDA does not require Abilify and other receptor agonist drugs to have any warnings against compulsive behaviors.

Paul and numerous other patients have allegedly suffered from Abilify pathological gambling and other compulsive behaviors, and have sustained serious financial losses. Paul’s Abilify lawsuit is joining MDL No. 2734, where it will stand alongside other claims alleging similar injuries.

This Abilify Lawsuit is Case 3:17-cv-00675-MCR-GRJ, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida, Pensacola Division.