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Abilify (aripiprazole) belongs to a new class of drugs known as atypical antipsychotics. Newer antipsychotics work differently than older ones in that they target both dopamine and serotonin receptors, whereas older antipsychotics such as Thorazine only target dopamine receptors.
Abilify works by influencing the neurotransmitters in the brain involved in feelings of pleasure and motivation that serve as a "reward system" in the brain to reinforce behaviours.
Abilify was approved in Canada in 2009 and has since become one of the most commonly prescribed antipsychotic drugs.
Abilify is used primarily to treat mental health issues such as Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar I Disorder and Schizophrenia. In addition, physicians often prescribe Abilify alongside other medications in order to enhance their effectiveness.
Moreover, this drug is also prescribed to treat other mental health issues such as anxiety, OCD, and irritability in patients.
Scientific studies have linked Abilify to the onset of obsessive-compulsive behaviours, including compulsive gambling, hypersexuality, compulsive spending, binge eating and other impulse disorders.
Scientific Studies:
Other Potential Side Effects
Other less common side effects of Abilify have been documented including, but not limited to the following:
One of the most troubling documented side effects of Abilify is compulsive gambling. Compulsive gamblers find it nearly impossible to resist the urge to gamble even if they don't have the money to lose.
Patients who take Abilify have reported that they continue to gamble on slot machines and lotteries, and bet on sporting events and casino games even if they are losing, and sometimes go as far as borrowing money to be able to satisfy the uncontrollable urge to gamble.
This out-of-control and compulsive behaviour often has devastating consequences. Patients taking Abilify have reported that gambling has consumed their lives – even driving some of them into serious debt. Losing the support of family and friends and even losing one's job is not uncommon as Abilify users begin to neglect their responsibilities.
In 2015, Health Canada confirmed the link between the use of Abilify and an increased risk of compulsive gambling and hypersexuality.
Due to the devastating consequences of compulsive behaviours caused by Abilify, plaintiffs are arguing that the drug's manufacturers should compensate them for the financial hardship they have suffered through no fault of their own and the emotional trauma they've experienced.
Class action lawsuits filed against Bristol-Myers Squibb and Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. are claiming that the companies knowingly misrepresented the safety and effectiveness of the drug. Furthermore, it is being alleged that the manufacturers knew that the drug increased the risk of developing compulsive behaviours, yet concealed or failed to disclose said risk.
Taking Abilify is linked to the onset of compulsive behaviours such as gambling, binge eating and hypersexuality. The manufacturers' failure to warn Canadians of these increased risks result in significant harm patients. If you or a family member took Abilify and were subsequently injured, you may be eligible for compensation.
If you wish to obtain more information on potential compensation or to be kept advised of the status of this class action lawsuit, please provide fill out the form below.