Suicide risk with epilepsy drugs explored by FDA
In January, we received communication from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that they would be reviewing the safety of a number of epilepsy drugs. This was a result of a study that showed that the drugs increased patients’ risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior.
Last week, we learned that the FDA is close to finalizing new suicide warnings for 11 anti-seizure medications. You can read about it on the Wall Street Journal Health Blog.
Some of these drugs work very well in controlling seizures for our patients. As with many diseases, though, finding a drug that helps to best control seizures is a balancing act. We often work together to try the best drug and dosage based on individual needs. We are always interested in knowing of any symptom and side effect you may be experiencing, whether it is directly related to epilepsy or to medication-adverse effects. Anytime that you are feeling depressed – whether on a drug involved in this study or not – it is essential that you contact your treating physician as soon as possible.
Tags: epilepsy, epilepsy drugs, epilepsy medication, suicide warnings