While this may sound like a joke it is not. The FDA issued a warning on May 6, 2016 that Abilify, a commonly prescribed antipsychotic drug, may cause patients to have uncontrollable urges to gamble, binge eat, shop and have sex. The warning can be found at http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm498662.htm.
The drug is used to treat schizophrenia and can also be used in combination with other drugs to treat depression. There have been a number of lawsuits against Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, the manufacturer of Abilify, alleging that the company did not provide adequate warning of the possible impulse-control issues. Compulsive gambling was previously listed as a side effect and is the most common side effect seen in the reports to the FDA. 1.6 Million patients were prescribed Abilify in the U.S. last year. Patients taking Abilify should keep a close eye on excessive urges they might experience while taking the medication.
The FDA will add new warnings about the compulsive behaviors to the drug labels and medication guides given to patients.
