Plaintiffs Jeffrey D. and Jeanne D. filed an Abilify and compulsive behavior lawsuit in Florida federal court against the manufactures of Abilify, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, and Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.  The lawsuit alleges that Jeffery began to experience adverse compulsive behaviors as a result of taking Abilify.

Abilify is an antipsychotic medication that is prescribed to treat conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, and Tourette syndrome. Abilify is also prescribed to treat irritability associated with autism.

According to the Abilify and compulsive behavior lawsuit, Jeffrey D., a resident of the state of Illinois, started taking Abilify in April 2012. He later stopped taking the medication in April 2015.  Following his ingestion of the medication, the plaintiff alleges that he suffered from serious injuries. He alleges that he suffered, “neuropsychiatric and physical injury, emotional distress, harm, and economic loss.”

He also contends that he suffered “monetary loss in excess of $75,000, loss of financial stability, and other mental, physical, and economic losses.” Moreover, Jeffery asserts that the adverse impact of Abilify on his brain constitutes a physical injury.

The plaintiff filed the following counts against the defendant: 1) Strict Liability, 2) Breach of Express Warranty, 3) Breach of Implied Warranty, 4) Negligence, 5) Negligence Per Se, 5) Negligent Misrepresentation, 6) Violation of Consumer Protection Laws, 7) Fraudulent Concealment, 8) Loss of Consortium, and 9) Punitive Damages. Abilify and compulsive behavior lawsuits like Jeffery’s allege that Abilify failed to mention that potential side effects of using the medication included gambling and other compulsive behaviors.

Since 2010, clinical and scientific studies have suggested Abilify is linked to compulsive behavior. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has received several adverse event reports regarding the medication. Due to these alleged complaints, the FDA required new warning labels warning of the public of compulsive behaviors that may result from taking the medication including eating, gambling, and shopping.

In December 2016, Bristol-Myers Squibb reached an Abilify and compulsive behavior settlement agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) over allegations regarding the manufacturer’s inaccurate representations of Abilify and downplaying the serious side effects that are associated with the drug. The settlement amount was for $19.5 million.

Patients who have taken the medication and have suffered from personal and financial losses due to compulsive, shopping, gambling, or sex, may be able to file a products liability lawsuit against the manufacturer.  A legal professional can help potential plaintiffs determine if filing a lawsuit is right for them. Successful plaintiffs could potentially recover compensation for damages suffered which led to neuropsychotic injury, financial losses, or any other damages the plaintiff may have experienced.  While monetary compensation cannot reverse a person’s pain and suffering, it can help ease the burden of costs, such as medical bills, associated with adverse side effects.

The Abilify and Compulsive Behavior Lawsuit is Case No. 3:17-cv-00725-MCR-GRJ, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida, Pensacola Division.