Branded as ‘Abilify’ or ‘Aristada’, Aripiprazole can be prescribed by GPs and healthcare professionals to treat schizophrenia and extreme cases of bipolar disorder.
However, as noted by the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MHRA), patients must be warned of developing compulsive urges or cravings such as addictive gambling, excessive eating, spending, or high sex drive.
Tracked by the MHRA’s Yellow Card scheme, the DHSC has received 69 reports of gambling disorders related to Aripiprazole in the last 14 years, with 32 reports in 2023 alone.
“Thirty-two of these reports were received between 1 January and 31 August this year. In March 2023, the MHRA asked gambling clinics to report any suspected cases which may account for some of the rise,” DHSC noted.
Healt..