Bristol Myers Squibb and Otsuka Pharmaceuticals are facing a growing multidistrict litigation (MDL), with claims consisting of allegations of pathological gambling and other compulsive behaviors. One of the most recent Abilify lawsuits comes from a Maryland woman, alleging she developed pathological gambling and other bad spending habits.

Plaintiff Crystal B. filed legal action against the pharmaceutical companies, alleging the companies either knew or should have known their medication could cause unexpected compulsive behaviors like pathological gambling. According to the Abilify lawsuit, Crystal was prescribed the antipsychotic medication in April 2010 for typical treatment purposes.

Abilify (aripiprazole) was approved by the FDA in 2002 for patients needing treatment for a variety of different conditions including depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and Tourette syndrome. This medication works by stabilizing the level of dopamine in the brain, which is the chemical responsible for pleasure and reward sensations.

However, this treatment mechanism has allegedly induced pathological gambling and other compulsive behaviors, with patients trying to make the reward sensations last as long as possible. These compulsive behaviors have been allegedly occurring in patients with no prior history of gambling, spending, and hypersexuality, spurring major concern in the patient population and medical community.

These behaviors allegedly developed in Crystal at some point during her prescription, with her claim arguing that she developed pathological gambling behavior and sustained serious financial losses. Crystal’s Abilify prescription ended in July 2016 after she discovered the drug’s treatment mechanism could induce pathological gambling.

Crystal opted to take legal action after discovering the pharmaceutical companies either knew or should have known about the drug’s potential to cause unexpected behaviors.

Overview of Abilify Complications

Abilify has been linked to compulsive behaviors in several studies from America and Europe, with one of these inquiries published by the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP).

The study found that medications manipulating dopamine levels can potentially cause “severe impulse control disorders,” which could include Abilify. While Abilify was not included in this study for only being a partial dopamine receptor, researchers found that Abilify could cause compulsive behaviors based on the 37 injury reports they received.

Also included in this concern is Abilify’s successor Rexulti, which was approved by the FDA in 2015 and entered the market when the patent for Abilify expired. Both of these drugs work by balancing dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain and are designed to induce pleasant feelings and mood stability in patients.

The medical community is concerned that Rexulti may have the same potential to cause compulsive behaviors. Even though Abilify can potentially cause pathological gambling or other compulsive spending habits, Otsuka Pharmaceuticals and Bristol Myers Squibb allegedly failed to warn patients.

Crystal states she would not have agreed to take Abilify if she had known about its alleged link to behaviors like pathological gambling. Crystal’s Abilify lawsuit is joining MDL No. 2734, where it will stand alongside other claims alleging similar injuries.

By joining an MDL, Crystal will avoid potential problems like conflicting ruling from different judges and will be streamlined through the litigation process.

This Abilify Lawsuit is Case No. 3:18-cv-00272-MCR-GRJ, in the U.S. District Court of Northern Florida, Pensacola Division.