It seems far-fetched. There is no way a side effect could do that. This is the sentiment for many friends and family members when they learn their loved one developed a compulsive behavior like excessive gambling while taking the prescription drug, Abilify. Unfortunately, it is true for thousands of Americans who took the drug, and the studies prove it.
How Abilify Causes Compulsive Behaviors
Senior scientist at the Institute for Safe Medication Practices, Thomas J. Moore has done extensive research and published papers about drugs similar to Abilify and their adverse effects. Some of them involve compulsive gambling.
Moore studied 1,580 cases over a decade that included several impulsive behaviors such as extreme gambling, excessive sexual activity, and compulsive shopping. In a 2014 paper, he found, “the associations were significant, the magnitude of the effects was large, and the effects were seen for all 6 dopamine receptor agonist drugs.”
This means that the drug triggers an urge to gamble constantly, usually among people without any previous interest. It does it by altering the brain’s dopamine receptors. When the dopamine system is stimulated in response to a particular activity, people will feel high from it or a feeling of pleasure. This reward system normally ensures that we continue to eat and do other things needed for survival. However, Abilify is over-stimulating the dopamine reward receptors and triggering compulsive behaviors.
Abilify Case Studies
There have been several case studies studying Abilify and the onset of compulsive behaviors, especially gambling. One French study published in 2013 by Gaboriau, et al., examined several people who checked into a clinic because of their compulsive gambling behaviors. In the study, researchers gave eight people Abilify. The drug caused seven of the eight patients to lose control of their gambling habits.
Researchers noted after discontinuing the drug patients lost their compulsive behaviors.
Another 2011 case study by Cohen, et al. found similar results in patients treated for schizophrenia. No patients in this study had a history of pathological gambling. Soon after taking the drug, they began gambling uncontrollably.
Similarly, a 2011 British study conducted by the National Problem Gambling Clinic found a relationship between Abilify and excessive gambling. One patient was so obsessed with gambling he began to plan extensively how to obtain more money to gamble. This even included illegal measures.
In all cases, gambling problems resolved after discontinuing Abilify and switching to another drug.
It is not your fault
If you or a loved one developed a compulsive behavior after taking Abilify, it is not your fault. The prescription may have altered the pleasure sensors in your brain. Bristol-Myers Squibb knew this side effect could happen. Yet, it took them years to warn American consumers. By the time they did, it was already too late for thousands of people. Then, these innocent people found themselves in escalating debt and shattered lives.
It is your right for the drug companies to inform you about the long-term risks associated with the medications you take. If you or a loved one has developed a compulsive behavior after taking Abilify, you should demand accountability from Bristol-Myers Squibb. Why weren’t you told?
The attorneys at The Michael Brady Lynch Firm have decades of combined experience recovering millions of dollars in settlements for their clients. Additionally, they know how to stand up to big pharmaceutical companies and bring justice. A settlement could help pay off loans and also other debts that incurred from taking Abilify and developing a compulsive behavior.
The consultation is completely free. Contact us today.
Related Links
- Bristol-Myers Squibb to Pay $20M in Abilify Settlement
- FDA Confirms Abilify Leads to Compulsive Behaviors like Gambling