Suicide can be a taboo subject, but the purpose of this blog is to provide important information to those living with epilepsy. This means that "taboo" goes out the window.
Anticonvulsants May Increase the Risk of Suicide and Suicidal Thought
On Jan 31st, 2008 the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) announced that those taking the anticonvulsant medications are twice as likely to have suicidal behavior or thoughts of suicide (0.43%) than those taking placebo (an inert substance; 0.22%). This increase in suicidal thought and behavior seemed to be a general finding that was not specific to a particular age group, race, or gender group.
The drugs that were studied are
* Carbamazepine (marketed as Carbatrol, Equetro, Tegretol, Tegretol XR)
* Felbamate (marketed as Felbatol)
* Gabapentin (marketed as Neurontin)
* Lamotrigine (marketed as Lamictal)
* Levetiracetam (marketed as Keppra) [Patient Information Sheet]
* 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)
What Does This Mean for You?
The FDA states that: "those currently taking or starting on any antiepileptic drug should be closely monitored for notable changes in behavior that could indicate the emergence or worsening of suicidal thoughts or behavior or depression".
My thoughts are that the anticonvulsant drugs are essential for many individuals with epilepsy (or those taking these drugs for the treatment of bipolar disorder or neuropathic pain, etc.). All drugs have risks associated with them, and those risks must always be weighed with the potential benefits of the drug (e.g., seizure control). Whenever taking medication, always be mindful of the potential risks and always looking for changes in behavior.
The FDA recommends
- Do not make changes to your drug regime without talking to your doctor first
- Pay close attention to any changes in mood and behavior. These changes can happen quickly.
- Be mindful of the suicide warning signs. Some of these signs are:
---> talking about suicide or hurting yourself
---> withdrawing from your social group (friends, family, etc.)
---> talk of death and dying
---> giving away valued possessions
If you notice these changes in mood and behavior, please contact your doctor.
The FDA is asking that doctors begin letting their patients know about this finding. Make sure your doctor is letting his/her patients know!
The FDA alert can be found on this page.
Kirk.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comments:
Wow. Very scary. I spoke with our pharmacist yesterday as our so is on two of those listed meds. He had no idea bout this new information, or if it would ever be made overly public a.k.a listed in the compendium. He also couldn't answer the question of what that looks like in a child under 6. Obviously they would not consider taking their life- they still don't know much about death, but does it look like something else in a child? Depression: more sleeping, lack of desire to socialize, etc? WHO can answer these questions?
Post a Comment