Otsuka Pharmaceuticals and Bristol Myers Squibb are facing a growing multidistrict litigation (MDL) consisting of claims alleging their antipsychotic drug Abilify caused patients to develop problem gambling and other compulsive behavior issues.

One of the most recent Abilify lawsuits was filed by a woman from Illinois, alleging she developed problem gambling not long after she started her prescription.

Plaintiff Sarah W. opted to file legal action against Otsuka Pharmaceuticals and Bristol Myers Squibb, claiming the pharmaceutical companies knew or should have known that problem gambling and other troubling behaviors could be instigated by Abilify’s treatment mechanism.

Abilify works by managing the level of dopamine and serotonin in the brain, which is supposed to produce ideal mod balance. Abilify is an atypical antipsychotic medication, the second generation of such drugs.

As an antipsychotic, Abilify is typically prescribed to patients suffering from extreme mental disorders like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Sarah was no different and she agreed to take Abilify after discussing different options with her physician.

According to the Abilify lawsuit, Sarah was prescribed the medication in June 2010 and had stayed on the drug until Nov. 2013. During the course of this treatment, Sarah reportedly developed a problem gambling and other compulsive behaviors that resulted in significant financial losses.

Sarah says she followed all prescription instructions and physician’s advice during her prescription and had no reason to be wary of serious adverse drug side effects.

Overview of Abilify Behavioral Problems

Abilify was approved by the FDA in 2002 and was released as a joint effort between Otsuka Pharmaceuticals and Bristol Myers Squibb. While this drug has been prescribed to numerous patients, there have been serious injury reports and several studies that have indicated Abilify can trigger troubling behaviors like problem gambling, compulsive shopping, and other compulsive behaviors.

Recently a similar drug was approved by the FDA, Rexulti, which was meant to be the successor to Abilify. Rexulti is more potent than Abilify but has the same treatment mechanism involving balancing dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain. Dopamine is the brain chemical responsible for pleasure and reward sensations, which encourages positive behavior.

However, this treatment mechanism may be causing patients to develop issues like problem gambling addictions, because inhibitions are down and the patient is encouraged to continue behaviors to prolong the high.

According to a recent study conducted by the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP), researchers found that dopamine receptor agonists may induce “severe impulse control disorders” in some patients.

While Abilify was not included in the study for only being a partial dopamine receptor agonist, researchers found the drug could cause the same problems in at least 37 injury reports.

Even though these compulsive problems can cause serious problems for patients, Bristol Myers Squibb and Otsuka Pharmaceuticals allegedly failed to warn the public. Sarah’s Abilify lawsuit is joining MDL No. 2734, where it will stand alongside other claims from patients alleging they developed a problem gambling and other compulsive behavioral issues.

By joining an MDL, Sarah’s claim will be streamlined through the litigation process and will avoid potential problems like conflicting rulings from different judges.

This Problem Gambling Lawsuit is Case No. 3:18-cv-00614-MCR-GRJ, in the U.S. District Court of Northern Florida, Pensacola Division.