Please Note: CSS Firm is not accepting or investigating new Rexulti claims at this time. This article is for educational purposes only.

Our skilled dangerous drug lawyers Childers, Schlueter & Smith are representing patients who have taken the drug Rexulti in lawsuits alleging that the drug manufacturers, Otsuka and Lundbeck, failed to warn them of the risks associated with the potentially dangerous medication. Reach out to a Rexulti lawyer today to learn more about your legal options.

What is Rexulti Used For?

Rexulti is an atypical antipsychotic belonging to a class of serotonin-dopamine activity modulators. It was approved by the FDA in 2015 to treat symptoms of schizophrenia and major depressive disorder (MDD). Rexulti is commonly prescribed to treat a variety of mental health issues, including bipolar, Tourette’s Syndrome, and generalized anxiety disorder. It has recently come under scrutiny for its potentially dangerous side effects.

A growing amount of research has linked Rexulti to an increased risk of developing compulsive behaviors, such as a compulsive gambling.

The active ingredient in Rexulti, brexpiprazole, helps balance dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain to improve mood, thinking, and behavior. This drug closely resembles the drug Abilify and is made by one of the same manufacturers, Otsuka. Rexulti has served as Abilify’s replacement since Otsuka lost its patent for Abilify in 2015. Like Abilify, Rexulti partially blocks dopamine at the D2 receptor and over-stimulates the D3 receptor. This can lead to patients experiencing forms of compulsive behaviors such as gambling, eating, shopping, and sexual behavior.

Mental illnesses like schizophrenia and MDD are life-long struggles for some. Approximately 43.8 million or 18.5% of adults in the United States experience mental illness in a given year. Schizophrenia and MDD are often treated with extensive therapy or Rexulti may be prescribed.

Behavioral Side Effects of Rexulti

According to the drug’s website, Rexulti can cause severe behavioral changes, such as compulsive gambling.

Symptoms of compulsive gambling disorder may include:

  • A constant preoccupation with gambling
  • Intense urges to gamble with increasing amounts of money
  • Unsuccessful attempts at trying to control, cut back or stop
  • Restlessness or irritability with decreased gambling
  • Gambling to escape problems or relieve feelings
  • Gambling to try and replace lost money (chasing your losses)
  • Lying about the extent of your gambling
  • Jeopardizing or losing relationships, jobs, school, or work opportunities
  • Stealing or fraudulent activity to get gambling money
  • Relying on others to bail you out of financial trouble

Gambling addiction almost always ends in financial and personal loss, such as:

  • Loss of money in bank accounts
  • Bankruptcies
  • Home foreclosures
  • Loss of 401k
  • Criminal charges
  • Damaged relationships

People who suffer from compulsive gambling feel compelled to continue gambling to recover lost money. This can become an exponentially destructive pattern. Without treatment, most compulsive gamblers fail to recover.

FDA Warns About Risks Associated with Rexulti

Since Rexulti’s FDA approval in 2015, the drug has been questioned after researchers linked it to pathological, compulsive gambling.

Following a series of studies and a letter issued by the FDA, Rexulti’s makers, Otsuka and Lundbeck, conceded that “post-marketing case reports suggest that patients can experience intense urges, particularly for gambling, and the inability to control these urges while taking Rexulti.” The drugmaker has recommended that patients experiencing compulsive behaviors consult their physicians about reducing their dosage or discontinuing the use of Rexulti altogether.

On February 9, 2018, the FDA approved an update to the Warnings and Precautions section of the Rexulti’s label regarding pathological gambling and other compulsive behaviors. Despite evidence of serious risks, the drug continues to remain available for consumer use.

Otsuka and Lundbeck Held Liable for Negligence

If you or a loved one has suffered the devastating effects of compulsive gambling from Rexulti, the drug’s makers should be held liable for your losses.

Rexulti was developed by Otsuka and Lundbeck, as a successor of Otsuka’s top-selling atypical antipsychotic Abilify (aripiprazole), which was also strongly linked to compulsive gambling behavior.

Otsuka is a pharmaceutical giant headquartered in Tokyo and Naruto, Japan. In 2010, they were Japan’s No. 2 drug maker in sales alone. As of May 2017, Otsuka had a revenue of $11 billion.

Lundbeck is a Danish international pharmaceutical company engaged in the research, development, production, and marketing of drugs for the treatment of disorders such as depression, schizophrenia, epilepsy, insomnia, and more. In 2014, the company had a revenue of $2.38 billion.

Despite the drug makers’ influence, both Otsuka and Lundbeck have faced a large amount of complaints regarding Rexulti’s harmful side effects. The result has been countless unsuspecting people suffering the mental, monetary, and emotional anguish of a gambling addiction whose families and livelihoods have also suffered.

When Should You Contact an Lawyer

Hiring an attorney may seem complex at the start, though compensation can help offset the financial and personal loss of a gambling addiction, including your pain and suffering. Contact an attorney if:

  • You developed a gambling addiction after taking Rexulti
  • You have suffered a financial loss from a gambling addiction related to Rexulti

If you identify with any of the above points, you could qualify for compensation.

Otsuka and Lundbeck promised a revolutionary drug, but Rexulti’s damaging behavioral effects proved otherwise. This should not have happened. Pharmaceutical companies must be held liable for their negligence. If you or a loved one has suffered after taking Rexulti, it’s important that you speak with an attorney to determine your eligibility for compensation.

You may still qualify for a lawsuit if you were previously denied a case regarding Abilify and were also injured by Rexulti.

Call Our Rexulti Attorneys for a Free Consultation

Mental health is critical for anyone. A drug or its manufacturers’ questionable conduct should not compromise your life, financial situation, or relationships. The Rexulti lawyers at Childers, Schlueter & Smith have represented clients throughout the country in defective drug claims and have obtained over $500 million in verdicts and settlements.

We understand how to protect your rights and will fight for the healing and recovery you deserve. Contact us today to discuss your potential claim.

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