Antiseizure medicine linked to increased risk of suicide
June 4th, 2008 by Nina Thompson, ARNP
The FDA has identified an increased risk of suicidal thoughts in those taking drugs for the treatment of epilepsy. In their recent analysis of eleven different drugs used to treat epilepsy and other conditions such as nerve pain, migraine headaches, bipolar disorder, and other conditions, patients receiving antiepileptic drugs had approximately twice the risk of suicidal behavior or ideation compared to patients receiving placebo. The results were generally consistent among the following eleven drugs:
- Carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Equetro, Tegretol, Tegretol XR)
- Felbamate (marketed as Felbatol)
- Gabapentin (marketed as Neurontin)
- Lamotrigine (marketed as Lamictal)
- Levetiracetam (marketed as Keppra)
- Oxcarbazepine (marketed as Trileptal)
- Pregabalin (marketed as Lyrica)
- Tiagabine (marketed as Gabitril)
- Topiramate (marketed as Topamax)
- Valproate (marketed as Depakote, Depakote ER, Depakene, Depacon)
- Zonisamide (marketed as Zonegran)
The FDA issued the following alert for patients, family members, and caregivers of patients on drugs in this list or any other drug in this category:
- Taking antiepileptic medicines may increase the risk of having suicidal thoughts or actions;
- Do not make any changes to the medication regimen without first talking with the responsible healthcare professional;
- Pay close attention to any day-to-day changes in mood, behavior and actions. These changes can happen very quickly so it is important to be mindful of any sudden differences.
- Be aware of common warning signs that might be a signal for risk of suicide. Some of these are: Talking or thinking about wanting to hurt yourself or end your life, withdrawing from friends and family, becoming depressed or having your depression get worse, becoming preoccupied with death and dying, and giving away prized possessions.
- If these or any new and worrisome behaviors occur, contact the responsible healthcare professional immediately.
via FDA, Feb 5, 2008
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