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.
i live in the uk and my Daughter has developed a gambeling problem taking these drugs, what can I do about this thank you
My partner has also. Would like to know what can be done in the UK because of this…