Common side effects of Abilify are restlessness, headache, nervousness, insomnia, fatigue, dizziness, blurred vision, heartburn, and constipation. However, Abilify has been linked to more serious side effects including uncontrollable urges to gamble, binge eat, shop and have sex.
On May 3, 2016 the FDA released a Safety Communication warning about these impulse-control problems associated with the drug. Abilify labels must now include a warning that patients who use the drug may develop uncontrollable urges to not only gamble, but eat, shop, or have sex. These compulsive behaviors can affect anyone who is taking the medicine. According to the FDA, in the majority of cases, those who are affected by these impulse-control issues have no prior history of the compulsive behaviors experienced, and only experienced these uncontrollable urges after starting Abilify. It appears though, that within days to weeks of reducing the dose or discontinuing the use of Abilify, these uncontrollable urges stop.
If you have been affected by uncontrollable urges in association with treatment by Abilify, please contact us right away. You can fill out a free case evaluation form, or call us for a free consultation. Please note, it is important that you talk with a health care professional as soon as possible if you or a family member experiences any of these uncontrollable urges, in order to prevent or limit possible harm. Additionally, those using Abilify should not suddenly stop taking this medication without first talking to their health care professional.