Abilify, or aripiprazole, is a prescription antipsychotic drug used as a treatment for Tourette syndrome, autism, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and depression. It blocks receptors in dopamine pathways in order to help with mood swings, aggressive behavior, cluttered thoughts, hallucinations, and hyperactivity.
Sadly, it became clear after 2013 that the drug dramatically increases addictive behaviors. Court records show that the negligent makers of Abilify (Bristol-Myers Squibb and Otsuka Pharmaceutical) not only exaggerated the benefits of the drug but that they failed to conduct proper testing and even concealed evidence of the risks. Abilify manufacturers also unlawfully suggested that doctors prescribe it for unapproved purposes, including eating disorders, insomnia, dementia, anxiety, PTSD, and OCD.
If you’ve taken Abilify as a treatment for approved or non-approved conditions and have experienced a compulsive need to gamble, eat, shop, or engage in sexual activity, you could be compensated for your financial and emotional losses. Consider joining a Las Vegas Abilify lawsuit. Contact our knowledgeable mass torts attorneys to see if you have a case.
The Adverse Effects of Abilify
The drug works by activating the brain’s dopamine receptors, thereby increasing a patient’s urge to indulge in pleasure-seeking activities such as shopping, eating, gambling, and/or sex. Its side effects have negatively impacted the relationships, finances, and overall well-being of those who have taken it.
Interestingly, gambling was the number-one risky behavior that users engaged in. This phenomenon occurred in even those who had never before demonstrated problems with this or other compulsive behaviors. According to scientific expert Thomas Moore, “The drug triggers a pathological urge to gamble constantly, sometimes among persons with no previous interest. It might be people starting to spend $300 a week on lottery tickets, and in other cases, people will gamble away tens of thousands of dollars.”
The FDA issued a drug warning for Abilify in 2016 after reviewing nearly 200 cases that demonstrated how the drug increases a patient’s likelihood of risky compulsions as well as the following side effects:
- Blurry vision
- Nausea
- Insomnia and restlessness
- Weight gain
- Dizziness and lightheadedness
- Constipation
- Headache
- Drowsiness
People experienced the onset of these side effects and risky behaviors shortly after they began taking the drug, and the side effects subsided after switching medications. In response, the FDA required the makers of Abilify to include these risks and side effects on the drug label, but the drug has not yet been recalled.
Many plaintiffs, their doctors, and their lawyers claim that if they’d known the actual costs of Abilify, they would have opted for a different medication, and their doctor probably wouldn’t have suggested it in the first place.
How to File a Nevada Abilify Lawsuit
The makers of Abilify put you unnecessarily at risk of compulsive behavior by failing to warn you and your doctor about the drug’s negative effects. You can (and should) file an Abilify lawsuit in Las Vegas if you can prove that:
- You are no longer taking Abilify
- You developed a gambling problem when you started using the drug
- You have not had issues with gambling compulsions in the past
- You’ve never lost more than $50,000 gambling
- You’re willing to provide documentation that proves your claims
As experienced personal injury attorneys, we know that no two cases are alike, so the next steps will vary depending on your circumstances. Our Las Vegas Abilify lawsuit attorneys have years of fighting manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies that have destroyed the lives of innocent people like you. Get in touch with us for a free case evaluation and find out what the next steps are in filing a lawsuit.
Damages You Could Collect in a Nevada Abilify Lawsuit
We know that monetary damages can’t make up for the deterioration of a marriage or the loss of a job, but it can help you get back on your feet and find other opportunities. Our lawyers will help you obtain compensation for gambling losses and other damages, including:
- Emotional pain and suffering
- Loss of wealth
- Loss of a job
- Treatment expenses
- Diminished quality of life
- Familial problems
- Punitive damages
How Abilify Lawyers in Las Vegas Can Help
Perhaps you know someone battling addiction after taking Abilify — or maybe that person is you. Regardless, victims of this risky drug are likely eligible for compensation. There are hundreds of lawsuits pending against Abilify, and by joining a mass tort lawsuit against this drug maker, you have a high chance of recouping substantial damages. Contact our attorneys before the statute of limitations passes to find out if you qualify to file a Las Vegas Abilify lawsuit.
