An antipsychotic drug sold in the United States triggers compulsive behavior, including gambling, a lawsuit filed last week in Nevada claims. According to the plaintiffs, the maker and the distributors of the prescription drug Abilify knew about the dangerous side effects but did not warn patients.
Five individuals from Northern Nevada are now suing the manufacturers and the companies distributing the anti-psychotic medication Abilify. They filed a complaint in Washoe County District Court on March 7 arguing that the drug maker failed to warn doctors and patients of the side effects of taking the medication. These, they say, include compulsive behavior and compulsive gambling, in particular, which can only exacerbate for patients in Nevada considering the easy access to casinos in Las Vegas.
The company which manufactures Abilify, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., and its partner in the United States, Bristol-Myers Squibb are named in the lawsuit. The plaintiffs claim that these companies were well aware that their prescription drug could potentially cause problem gambling issues in some patients. It turns out that they added “pathological gambling” on the list of adverse effects, but this was only on the labels in Europe and Canada.
In the United States, the company did not put a warning of compulsive gambling risks until early 2016 when the Food and Drug Administration forced it to. The five plaintiffs note that the manufacturer is responsible for the gambling losses they sustained while taking the medication. As a result, they are now seeking compensatory damages, which means they would receive financial compensation in case the court rules in their favor.
Gambling: Entertainment or Health Risk?
With billions of dollars in annual revenue, the gambling industry in Las Vegas is crucial for the economy in the entire state. Millions of visitors are attracted to the glamorous casinos and spend their money not only for chips but also food, accommodation, and entertainment. But that is not all. While in Nevada, gambling is often considered just a recreational activity, it may turn into a health issue for some individuals, experts warn.
Official data by the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling shows that 6 per cent of all adults in Nevada admits being a problem gambler. In other words, one out of every 17 individuals struggles with compulsive gambling or gambling addiction that has a negative impact on their life. Problem gambling includes any behavior toward gambling that has a disruptive effect on everyday life and personal relationships. Problem gambling can also cause financial strain or even interfere with work.
Substance abuse and mental health problems are often linked with problem gambling, as well. All these facts are relevant in the Nevada lawsuit because Abilify, or Aripiprazole as it is known generically, is an antipsychotic drug. It is used for treating serious issues such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, autism and severe cases of depression.
