Abilify and Compulsive Gambling: Is There a Relation Between These Two?

Abilify is a known pharmaceutical drug that can help in the treatment of schizophrenia. However, the manufacturer’s failed to mention the adverse effects that are accompanied with the use of the medicine. One of the

Abilify is a known pharmaceutical drug that can help in the treatment of schizophrenia. However, the manufacturer’s failed to mention the adverse effects that are accompanied with the use of the medicine. One of the most pertinent information regarding its side effects is that schizophrenia patients may experience a rise in compulsive behavior.

Compulsive behaviors may include the following: sex addiction, shopping, eating, and gambling. These behaviors have been linked to the use of Abilify since 2010, at the very least. Even though the FDA did approve of the use of this medication, the same association now orders warnings for the use of Abilify, even for the sole intention of treating schizophrenia.

Compulsive Gambling and Abilify

Users that have no prior relation to having compulsive behaviors have been reported to begin gambling uncontrollably upon they start taking Abilify. Even though it may seem like the user is casually gambling inside a casino or other gambling locations, the individual might already be in too deep regarding the condition. Pathological gamblers will have uncontrollable urges to gamble. Furthermore, they will often roll the dice, bet, spin the wheel, or push buttons to a significant degree to the point that it may even result to severe social, financial, and personal harm. Even though Abilify users tend to experience compulsive gambling, the exact cause of the behavior is still unknown. However, experts do believe that it’s in relation to a disorder that’s caused by the brain’s dopamine pathway.

The Expansion of Abilify Warnings

Back in May 2016 during a Drug Safety Communication, the FDA issued an announcement that there should be new labels would be added to Abilify. The purpose of this operation was to warn patients about the upcoming compulsive behaviors that may take place, which may include uncontrollable urges to shop, eat, gamble, and have sex. Even though there’s already a label for Abilify that states about its effects that may add compulsive behavior, the FDA felt that their warning wasn’t enough. The association based their reports on an updated safety information wherein it stated that about 200 reported cases of Abilify users experienced compulsive behavior. Most of these cases even relate to compulsive gambling. Also, almost all of these compulsive gambling cases ended when the use of Abilify ended or discontinued.

Allegations to the Abilify Lawsuit

Interested individuals can file legal claims against Abilify manufacturers. However, do note that there should be a proper due process and a clear indication of the side effects that were brought by the use of the product. For instance, there’s a clear recent history of the patient to have experienced uncontrollable gambling, which then resulted in psychological, physical, and financial damages.

Compensations for Damages Brought by the Use of Abilify

Compensation can be acquired with the help of expert attorneys, like the ones found in Meds law group LLP. Compensations may include the following: the recovery of gambling losses (which may include financial stability and other economic losses), physical injury, neuropsychiatric Injury, and emotional distress.

However, always bear in mind that the actual compensation in which the claimant may acquire depends on their unique losses and individual circumstances.