Epilepsy Drugs Get Suicide Risk Warning..

[AAthlete]

Guys, was trolling around on the Google News website and found this article about epilepsy drugs (including Topiramate which is marketed as Topamax).

FDA Orders Suicide Risk Warning for Epilepsy Drugs

[bloggy]

Epilepsy Drugs Get Suicide Risk Warning..

AAthlete;496732 wrote: Guys, was trolling around on the Google News website and found this article about epilepsy drugs (including Topiramate which is marketed as Topamax).

FDA Orders Suicide Risk Warning for Epilepsy Drugs

Wow, AA thanks for this. An old friend came to see me a few days ago- he has been married for about a year but lived with the girl for around 10 years, they have 2 young kids.

He was broken hearted and said her moods were becoming unbearable- he cant do anything right and she spends all day screaming at him, the children and the dogs. I know she takes medication for epilepsy- I wonder if that is doing it?

Hmmm.. will have to pass the information on in a subtle way.

[beatle]

Epilepsy Drugs Get Suicide Risk Warning..

I know that Tegretol (carbamezapine-- the first on that list) is used to treat bi-polar... it is supposed to be a "gentle" medicine, that is not very strong, and also not addictive (when taken for other reasons than epilepsy. Epileptics should never stop it suddenly). Anyway, I have taken it on and off for a couple years and I do find it to help even out the moods, without any side effects. Notice the suicide warning is based on a very small percentage of cases, and even the warning itself is not to be very strong. My point is simply that nobody should panic about this. If you are taking these medications, it's just good to be aware of this very slight risk, so that if you detect signs of increasing depression on the medications you take it up with your doctor.

[Captnjack]

Epilepsy Drugs Get Suicide Risk Warning..

Thanks AA I think it needs to be said that any chemical changes the mix !!! as does alcohol !!!! I take Topamax at a low dose 50 mgs and it in my opinion is a wonder drug no cravings ( epiletic drug)....... however i have realised i am suffering depression and it does not solve that !!!! I think deep seated personal issues are at hand..... no amount of drug taking or reactive thoughts will deal with the fundamental problem of existing and learning to forgive youre self for me that is the ultimate challenge. Just in passing not related to this thread Thanks Athlete your posts are the best I hang and run to every one thanks again for being here you have been a great source of insipration for me thanks buddy
Cap

[Skinned Knees]

Epilepsy Drugs Get Suicide Risk Warning..

Thanks for the info.

Beatle -- I was on Tegretol for a few months. One of the benefits was that I stopped drinking immediately. I found that I didn't want it. But, the side effects, including the worsening of my depression, caused me to go off of it.

I am on Lamictal now, and notice that it is one of the drugs on the list. Because I am depressed now, after a few days of feeling really good, I'll be on the lookout if I don't pull out of it and see my pdoc right away.

SK

[IAD]

Epilepsy Drugs Get Suicide Risk Warning..

Capt'n, maybe it's time for an anti-depressent. I'm on Zoloft.....it helps. IAD.

[DeeBee]

Epilepsy Drugs Get Suicide Risk Warning..

Great info - thanks!
My daughter was on Tegretol for many years for epilipsy and I didn't know that that was a side effect -- thank goodness she no longer needs to take it.