Abilify Side Effects – Compulsive Gambling and Pathological Behaviors and other Serious Side Effects

Abilify (aripiprazole) is an atypical antipsychotic. It is used, sometimes alone but more often in combination with other drugs, to treat schizophrenia, depression and other disorders in adults as well as irritability associated with autism and Tourette’s disorder in children. Abilify has been linked to impulse control disorders, including compulsive gambling, and other serious side effects.

Abilify Uses

In 2002, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Abilify for treating schizophrenia. Over time, the FDA expanded approval to include treatment of:

• Bipolar disorder
• Major depressive disorder
• Irritability associated with autism
• Tourette’s disorder

Doctors may also prescribe Abilify for off-label uses such as treating:

• Anxiety
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Dementia
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Eating disorders
• Personality disorders
• Substance abuse
• Insomnia

Compulsive Gambling and Other Pathological Behaviors

The FDA issued a safety announcement on May 3, 2016, warning about impulse-control problems linked to Abilify use. The agency said it has received 184 reports of compulsive or uncontrollable urges to gamble, bine eat, shop or have sex, and that anyone who takes the drug can be affected.

Pathological behaviors associated with Abilify include:

• Compulsive gambling
• Sex addiction
• Binge eating
• Compulsive shopping

Any of these pathological behaviors can cause serious harm to victims and their loved ones. Compulsive gambling can lead to bankruptcy, loss of all savings, and divorce.

Diabetes and Suicidal Thoughts in Children and Young People

Studies have found that children taking atypical antipsychotic drugs have an increases risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, when can continue to cause serious health problems throughout adulthood.

Taking Abilify may also increase the risk of suicidal thoughts in children, teenagers, and young adults.

Other Serious Side Effects

Abilify can have other serious and dangerous side effects, some of which can cause permanent harm of death. Abilify side effects can include:

• Tardive dyskinesia
• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
• Stroke in the elderly
• Dangerously high blood sugar
• Nervousness
• Anxiety
• Restlessness
• Insomnia
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Drowsiness
• Heartburn
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Changes in appetite
• Weight gain
• Increased salivation or drooling
• Pain, especially in the arms, legs, or joints
• Tiredness
• Cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat
• Difficulty swallowing

If you or someone you love has been harmed by Abilify use, please talk to an experienced defective drug attorney right away to learn more about your rights and potential compensation.