Drugs for nerve pain, bipolar disorder linked to thoughts of suicide

The Food and Drug Administration has warned that a group of drugs called anticonvulsants can cause some people to have thoughts of suicide and to attempt suicide.

This new advice is based on an analysis of 199 studies involving nearly 44,000 patients. The analysis found that the risk of suicidal thinking, behavior, and/or attempts was quite low—less than 1 percent in both people who took one of the drugs and in those who took a placebo pill. However, among those who took one of the drugs, the risk of suicidal thoughts and attempts was twice that of those who took placebos—0.43 percent compared with 0.22 percent. The FDA reported that four people who took one of the drugs died by committing suicide while none of the patients taking a placebo did.

The analysis is the latest to link drugs that affect the brain and nervous system to an increased risk of suicidal thinking and attempts. Most notably, the FDA has also warned of those possibilities for antidepressants.

While stating that patients and doctors should carefully weigh the benefits of the drugs against the risks, the agency is urging doctors to “closely monitor all patients currently taking or starting any antiepileptic drug for notable changes in behavior that could indicate the emergence or worsening of suicidal thoughts or behavior or depression.”

We recommend that patients who start taking any of the drugs in this class also be on the lookout for deepening depression or expressed suicidal thoughts, and immediately consult a physician.

To find out more about the uses and side effects of the drugs in this class, read our full Consumer Reports Best Buy Drugs report.

—Steve Findlay, managing editor, Consumer Reports Best Buy Drugs

Comments

[Angel Ruiz]

I suffered severe brain damage and heart damage from tranquilizer and antiepileptic "Klonopin" Clonazepam (Rivotril and ravotril in Europe).
Having just 0,25mg twice a day for just 25 days or even after first 14 days
It all got worse when doctor changed back to "Valium" Diazepam with antiepileptic properties itself.
The suicidal thoughts and behavior came later when the effects of ravage ended and I could realize the wideness of it (loss of personality, loss of pleasure capacity, loss of temporary memory, sight severe impairment, heart severe impairment). Klonopin clonazepam rivotril ravotril are danger , cell destruction, misery, pain, grief , loss.

[Lynn48]

I think that Tegretol may be one of my problems associated with mood instability. I have been on the drug for 13 years, and my new Dr. is taking me off of it!

Thanks!