I experienced impulse control, compulsive shopping and sexual urges after one month of being on 5mg. I presented to my doctor. Was told was made to believe I was hypomanic and had the dosage increases over the space of 6 months. Due to my behaviors, I lost my house, my family, my friends and worst of all my children let alone work and the other realm of things I ruined with the uncontrollable urges. I have read case study after case study of the same symptoms, but none that was on it for six months experienced those side affects. Am I the only case and do I have any hope of a normal life after all those traumas (3x rapes to chuck in there) and the behaviors and shattering of values I learned along the way. That long on it coming off it has not fixed the rubble that is surrounding me.
Abilify - impulse control sexual and spending?
Question posted by JessicaRad on 14 Aug 2023
Last updated on 14 August 2023 by Angiegurl47
Answers
I know what you're going through because I had a terrible side effect from Abilify too! This was several years ago. I began to gamble like crazy! I have never had any problems with any type of addictive behavior in my life, but all of a sudden I couldn't stop gambling. This was back in 2014 or so. I found out through my doctor that there was a legal case against the pharmaceutical company because they knew that the medication had the side effect of compulsive behaviors (most commonly gambling addiction, but people could experience any addictive behavior. As a matter of fact I was able to join a class action lawsuit. We won our case, and were awarded damages because of their negligence. (I read that as of 2018 the company was supposed to have added additional warning to the packaging). I hope this helps you, I stopped taking the medication and the urges went away after some months without it.
Related topics
abilify, bipolar disorder, agitated state
Further information
- Abilify uses and safety info
- Abilify prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Abilify (detailed)