Partial dopamine agonist-induced pathological gambling and impulse-control deficit on low-dose aripiprazole

Australas Psychiatry. 2017 Dec;25(6):614-616. doi: 10.1177/1039856217715996. Epub 2017 Jul 11.

Abstract

Objective: To describe a case of aripiprazole-induced problem gambling and impulse-control deficit in a gambling-naïve patient following commencement of low-dose aripiprazole.

Method: Case report.

Results: This case adds to the literature on the dopamine partial agonist aripiprazole causing or exacerbating problem gambling, and extends that literature to low-dose use of aripiprazole in the gambling naïve.

Conclusions: When commencing a patient on aripiprazole the possibility of emergence of problem gambling and other impulse-control deficits should be monitored, even in those with no history of similar behaviours and even on a low dose.

Keywords: antipsychotic; aripiprazole; dopamine partial agonist; pathological gambling.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antipsychotic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Aripiprazole / adverse effects*
  • Disruptive, Impulse Control, and Conduct Disorders / chemically induced*
  • Dopamine Agonists / adverse effects*
  • Gambling / chemically induced
  • Humans

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents
  • Dopamine Agonists
  • Aripiprazole