A Denver, Colo. resident is taking legal action against Bristol-Myers Squibb and Otsuka Pharmaceutical Company over their top-selling antipsychotic drug by filing an Abilify side effects lawsuit.

Plaintiff Tae C. was prescribed and took Abilify in 2007.

Shortly thereafter, Tae began compulsively gambling, suffering monetary losses in excess of $75,000. Tae attributes the developed compulsive gambling behaviors to the use of Abilify.

The Abilify side effects lawsuit alleges Tae suffered not only loss of financial stability, but of mental, physical and economic losses.

As a result of Abilify use, Tae has suffered and will allegedly continue to suffer neuropsychiatric and physical injury, emotional distress, harm, and economic losses, according to the Ability side effects lawsuit.

Tae is seeking the full spectrum of relief for the drug makers’ alleged knowledge of the defective nature of Abilify and negligent disregard of the harm reportedly caused by Abilify, including punitive damages, actual damages, and medical expenses.  A jury trial has been requested for this case.

What is Abilify?

Abilify (aripiprazole) is a dopamine agonist, which means that it causes the brain to release its “reward” or “pleasure” neurotransmitter. It is one of the top-selling antipsychotic drugs in the United States used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other mental diseases.

The FDA approved Abilify in 2002, but the agency has also released several warnings related to the drug since that time.

Some of these warnings stem from reports of Abilify patients experiencing uncontrollable gambling addictions. They are borrowing money, using credit cards, and otherwise gambling when they cannot afford it. Some have reported to have feelings that they cannot live without gambling.

Though the side effects are often not physical, the side effects leave people with crippling debts that are both psychologically damaging and financially ruinous.

In fact, Abilify currently carries a black box warning from the FDA warning users about the potential for side effects of Abilify to cause suicidal thoughts in young adults and death in older patients.

Other Possible Abilify Side Effects

While Abilify can be effective at helping to control symptoms of certain mental health disorders, the prescription antipsychotic drug has also been linked to a number of serious side effects other than compulsive gambling that patients may not expect, including:

• Hypersexual behavior
• Binge eating
• Compulsive behavior
• Suicidal thoughts
• Involuntary muscle movements
• Weight gain

Filing an Abilify Side Effects Lawsuit

Abilify has been linked to uncharacteristic gambling addictions and other compulsive behaviors that result in extreme financial hardship. The drug makers allegedly provided no warning about this life-changing and mind-altering side effect.

If you or someone you love has suffered from a compulsive gambling problem or other addiction while taking Abilify, you may be entitled to compensation. An experienced dangerous drug attorney can review your case confidentially at no charge and help you determine if filing an Abilify side effects lawsuit is the best option for you.

The Abilify Side Effects Lawsuit is Cho v. Bristol-Myers Squibb Co., et al., Case No. 1:16-cv-02396, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado.