A man from New York alleges that he developed a problem gambling soon after being prescribed Abilify (aripiprazole) that has severely impacted his life. The man alleges that in result of taking Abilify, his problem with gambling has severely strained his relationship with his wife.

Plaintiff couple Oscar D. and Julie D. have jointly filed this Abilify lawsuit, alleging their relationship has become strained due to financial debts that accumulated from Oscar’s problem with gambling. They are joining a growing multidistrict litigation (MDL), which consists of similar allegations from Abilify patients who also allege they developed a problem with gambling.

Like other claimants in this MDL, Oscar says he had no prior history of gambling addiction or compulsive spending habits but had spontaneously developed them soon after starting his Abilify prescription.

According to the Abilify lawsuit, Oscar had been prescribed Abilify for typical treatment purposes and had followed all safety instructions and medical advice from his doctor while on this medication. However, he claims that not long after starting the medication, he developed a problem with gambling and had incurred a large debt.

According to the Abilify lawsuit, Oscar and Julie have suffered over $47,000 in damages and have grown distant with each other due to the financial stress. Oscar opted to file legal action against manufacturers Otsuka Pharmaceuticals and Bristol Myers Squibb, after discovering the manufacturers either knew or should have known their medication could cause compulsive behavior problems.

Overview of Abilify Complications

Abilify is an atypical antipsychotic medication that is typically prescribed to adult patients with mental disorders like bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.

This medication works by balancing the serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain, to produce better mood balance. Along with its successor Rexulti, these dopamine manipulation drugs have become popular treatment choices for the medical community and patient population.

However Abilify has been reportedly causing numerous patients to develop compulsive behavior problems like compulsive gambling or binge shopping, allegedly due to the drug’s treatment mechanism. Dopamine is the brain chemical responsible for pleasure and reward sensations, which is also activated when engaging in high reward activities like gambling.

Essentially, Abilify’s treatment mechanism may encourage behaviors like gambling and shopping to make the high last longer. According to a recent study from the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP), researchers found that medications that work with dopamine receptors can potential “severe impulse control disorders” in some patients.

While Abilify is considered only a partial dopamine receptor, researchers found that the drug likely carries the same risk after reviewing Abilify behavioral problems in at least 37 injury reports.

Even though these Abilify complications can be devastating to patients, plaintiffs claim Otsuka and Bristol Myers allegedly failed to warn the general public about this risk. Oscar states he would not have agreed to take Abilify if he had known there was potential for developing a problem with gambling.

Oscar and Julie’s Abilify lawsuit is joining MDL No. 2734, where it will stand alongside other claims alleging similar Abilify compulsive behavioral problems.

This Abilify Lawsuit is Case No. 3:18-cv-01395-MCR-GRJ, in the U.S. District Court of Northern Florida, Pensacola Division.