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    Seizure meds linked to Suicide

    Topamax is a seizure medicine, so wanted to pass this on.

    FDA Links Epilepsy Drugs To Suicide Risk, Still Very Rare, But Drugs Taken By Millions For Seizures, Other Issues, Can Double Risk - CBS News

    (AP) Epilepsy drugs used by millions of people may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned in an alert to doctors Thursday.

    The FDA analyzed almost 200 studies of 11 different anti-seizure drugs, some that have been on the market for decades. The studies tracked almost 28,000 people given the medications and another 16,000 given dummy pills.

    Very rarely were suicidal thoughts or behavior reported. Still, the FDA found drug-treated patients did face about twice the risk: 0.43 percent of drug-treated patients experienced suicidal thoughts or behavior compared with 0.22 percent of placebo-takers.

    Overall, four people in the drug-treated groups committed suicide, and none in the placebo groups.

    What that means: For every 1,000 patients, about two more drug-treated patients experienced suicidal thoughts than placebo-takers, FDA concluded.

    Anti-seizure drugs are used for a variety of illnesses in addition to epilepsy, including migraines, certain nerve-pain disorders, and psychiatric diseases such as bipolar disorder that themselves carry a risk of suicide.

    The FDA found drug-treated patients were at increased risk no matter their diagnosis, but that the risk was highest for epilepsy sufferers.

    Fast Fact

    Skipping epilepsy medication can result in seizures. The FDA warns patients to ask a doctor before making medication changes.
    The FDA began investigating if epilepsy drugs pose any suicide risk in 2005. It analyzed data from 11 well-known anti-seizure drugs including Pfizer Inc.'s Neurontin, Novartis AG's Tegretol and Abbott Laboratories' Depakote - but the FDA said it expected that the risk applied to every epilepsy drug. The FDA said it would work with manufacturers to add the warning to product labels.

    Skipping epilepsy medication can result in seizures. An FDA spokeswoman said only that patients should ask a doctor before making medication changes.

    But the agency's letter to doctors advised them to:

    # Balance the risk with the patients' need for the drug.

    # Tell patients and their families about the risk so they can be aware of changes in mood.

    # Make sure patients and families know to contact a doctor if someone experiences common suicide warning signs, such as talking or thinking about hurting yourself, becoming preoccupied with death, withdrawal, becoming depressed or worsening depression, and giving away prized possessions.

    FDA Links Epilepsy Drugs To Suicide Risk, Still Very Rare, But Drugs Taken By Millions For Seizures, Other Issues, Can Double Risk - CBS News
    Marcie

    #2
    Seizure meds linked to Suicide

    Thanks for the info, Marcie!

    I take Topa, only 50mgs, but I always appreciate information.

    MM
    Face your deficiencies and acknowledge them, but do not let them master you. Let them teach you patience, sweetness, insight.

    Comment


      #3
      Seizure meds linked to Suicide

      Mem I am on seizure drugs, and will be the rest of my life. I can't NOT take them, seizures kill too! I have had some grand mals, don't remember much, but everyone else sure got real excited! I swear they always say something adverse about everything don't they.

      Comment


        #4
        Seizure meds linked to Suicide

        WOW! Thanks Marcie.

        Thanks for the info!

        Comment


          #5
          Seizure meds linked to Suicide

          Hart, I wasn't saying don't take the meds. Just passing on info. Obviously you need to take them!
          Marcie

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            #6
            Seizure meds linked to Suicide

            This info sucks but I appreciate the knowledge.

            Comment


              #7
              Seizure meds linked to Suicide

              Yeah I agree, that info does suck however it's good to be aware.
              "Keep your eyes and heart focused on the end goal at all times, and never settle for less."

              Comment


                #8
                Seizure meds linked to Suicide

                I wouldn't dispute this info., but bearing in mind some of the people on the study were possibly suffering from various illnesses, it could have been one of many that triggered
                suicide. I work with patients suffering epilepsy, and have never known any to commit suicide whilst taking the meds, on the other hand I have known people to die through not taking them.
                .

                Comment


                  #9
                  Seizure meds linked to Suicide

                  It says the side effect is rare. There are also reports of Chantix causing suicidal behavior and I've had nothing but good things to say about that drug. Has helped me quit smoking and moderate drinking.
                  Marcie

                  Comment


                    #10
                    Seizure meds linked to Suicide

                    Hi Mem, I do think it has a lot to do with state of mind, I am taking fluoxetine for depression, this has also been linked to suicide, but it has helped me such a lot.
                    Alcohol makes me feel suicidal, so I think I will stick with the risks from the meds.
                    Paula.
                    .

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