Hamilton, NJ -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/12/2017 -- Individuals suffering from depression and bipolar disorder tend to be at a higher risk for reckless behaviors such as gambling or compulsive eating. Many patients with these mental disorders have been prescribed the antipsychotic drug known as Abilify. Unfortunately, this medication may have undesirable side effects that serve to heighten impulsive behaviors in these individuals. The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey wishes to disseminate this information to anyone who is currently on the medication, or who has been on the medication in the past, especially if they have a casino gambling habit in Atlantic City, a problem with off-track wagering in Hillsborough or elsewhere.
Patients undergoing treatment for bipolar disorder or depression who have noticed a significant change in their behavior after taking Abilify should contact their doctor about alternative treatments. Hundreds of lawsuits have been filed against the manufacturer of the drug, stating that the company failed to provide adequate warnings about potential side effects. Excessive gambling stood out as one of the most common side effects, with one woman admitting that she lost over one million dollars because of her destructive gambling habits that developed while she was on the drug. Others shared similar stories, lamenting that they were unaware of the drug's side effects, even as it began to destroy their lives.
CCGNJ urges anyone who is on Abilify to seek help immediately. Even after stopping the drug, some people may have difficulty quitting their gambling habit. CCGNJ offers support for individuals and their families to end their addiction. Anyone seeking help for problem gambling like uncontrollable off-track wagering at Favorites is encouraged to reach out to CCGNJ by visiting their website at http://800gambler.org/ or by calling their 24/7 confidential hotline at 800-GAMBLER.
About The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey
The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey is a non-profit, private organization dedicated to helping individuals seek help for their disordered gambling problem, and for concerned friends and loved ones to confidentially express their concerns about someone close to them. Their 24/7 hotline is 800-GAMBLER. The Council also works to train professionals in the fields of gambling addiction and recovery.
For more information, please visit http://www.800gambler.org.