On one of our recent posts on Facebook, we warned consumers of the link between Abilify and gambling. One of the comments said, “Yes, blame it on the pill! Haha” We totally understand this reaction. After all, how can a pill cause someone to gamble? Isn’t that just another way to say “It’s not my fault?” And we know that lawyers aren’t always seen in the best light. However, we’re here to help you and our goal is to hold pharmaceutical companies accountable for the drugs that they’re putting on the market. Here are the facts that have been published linking Abilify to gambling.
Abilify (aripiprazole) is an antipsychotic medication that works by altering chemicals in the brain, specifically dopamine. It’s used to help patients who are struggling with schizophrenia, tourette syndrome, and bipolar I disorder (which is also called manic depression).
On May 3, 2016, the FDA published a warning that stated that, “compulsive or uncontrollable urges to gamble… have been reported with the use of the antipsychotic drug aripiprazole. These impulse-control problems are rare, but they may result in harm… if not recognized.”
In 2015, around 1.6 million patients received this prescription medication from retail pharmacies. While millions of people are taking this drug (it was approved by the FDA in 2002), it is yet unknown how many people are struggling with these impulse control problems that may be associated with the use of Abilify. According to an eHealthMe analysis, gambling problems have been associated in people who take Abilify, particularly women who are 50-59 old and have been taking the drug for 2 - 5 years.
So let’s get to the heart of the matter: how can a pill cause someone to have a gambling addiction? Abilify is a second-generation antipsychotic (SGA) medication that is called “a dopamine-serotonin system stabilizer” that either enhances dopamine and serotonin levels or inhibits them to keep them in balance. Dopamine is known as the “reward” chemical in the brain that induces pleasure. Various levels dopamine can affect your mood, self-control, ability to focus, sleeping patterns and other important functions. Too much dopamine can stimulate problematic behaviors such as addictions to shopping, sex and yes, gambling.
If you were prescribed Abilify in 2005 or later, took it for at least three months, have stopped (or plan to stop) taking this medication, and have a about $15,000 in gambling losses or more, you may be able to make a claim against Bristol-Myers Squibb, the makers of Abilify. Bristol-Myers Squibb failed to properly warn patients of this dangerous adverse effect and you shouldn’t have to pay for their discrepancies.
