Abilify, known generically as aripiprazole, was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration[1] (FDA) in 2002 for the treatment of schizophrenia. In 2004, the medication was approved for the treatment of bipolar disorder. Then in 2007, the FDA approved Abilify as a treatment for major depressive disorder. Exactly how Abilify works is unknown although it is believed that the drug affects the activity of some key chemicals in the brain, notably dopamine and serotonin.
Abilify and Compulsive Gambling
Abilify is a partial dopamine agonist and acts on the same nerves in the brain that are normally activated by this chemical. Among other things, dopamine plays a central role in the pleasure centers of the brain. As such, excessive levels of dopamine may influence compulsive behaviors, including gambling. There have been a handful of reports in which people taking Abilify developed a compulsive gambling habit. In all of these cases, the gambling addiction ended when the patient stopped taking Abilify. Other obsessive behaviors, including shopping, sex addiction, and compulsive overeating, have also been reported among people who took Abilify or had their dose increased.
FDA Abilify Side Effect Warning
Over the years, the FDA has issued several Abilify side effect warnings. These warnings have included:
- Abilify Diabetes and Hyperglycemia: In 2004, the FDA required the manufacturers of drugs like Abilify to add warnings about an increased risk of diabetes and hyperglycemia to their labels. Atypical antipsychotics lead to insulin resistance, as they cause the body to metabolize fat instead of carbohydrates.
- Abilify and Death in the Elderly: In 2008, the FDA requested that antipsychotic drugs, including Abilify, update their labels to include a Black Box Warning regarding an increased risk of death when Abilify is used to treat dementia in older patients.
- Abilify Suicide Warning: In 2007, the FDA ordered that the label for drugs like Abilify be updated to include a Black Box Warning regarding an increased risk of suicide in patients under the age of 24.
- Abilify and Problems in Newborns: In 2011, the FDA warned that women who were pregnant or planning to become pregnant should be aware that Abilify may cause abnormal muscle movements and withdrawal symptoms in infants who were exposed to the medication during the third trimester.
Holding Pharmaceutical Manufacturer Responsible for Abilify Compulsive Gambling
Have you suffered serious side effects from Abilify? Pharmaceutical manufacturers have the legal responsibility to sell drugs that are safe for intended use and that properly warn users of the possible side effects and/or dangers of overdose. Many lawsuits have been filed against Abilify as a result of compulsive gambling and other serious side-effects. If you have been injured by Abilify, you should contact Michigan Injury Lawyers by calling 313-GET-HELP as soon as possible to discuss a possible claim.
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