In response to research showing an increased risk of suicidal thoughts among people taking antiepileptic medications (such as Depakote, Topamax or Zonegran), the FDA may require drug makers to add a suicide warning to their products.The Wall Street Journal Health Blog reports that although the suicide risk seems minimal, the FDA has become increasingly aggressive about requiring suicide-related warnings.
Some manufacturers argue there are differences in risk level between anticonvulsants drugs and object to the FDA's adoption of a policy requiring suicide warnings for all drugs in the category. The FDA has not yet released its findings from a review of clinical data on this subject, so it remains to be seen whether this argument has merit.
The FDA will conduct a public meeting on the issue in July.
If you have concerns about taking these drugs, please discuss them with your doctors. Do not stop taking a medication or change how you are using it without consulting with your doctor.
You can read more about these issues at the following links:
FDA Mulls Suicide Warning for Epilepsy Drugs
Epilepsy Drugs May Vary in Suicide Risk
Related Post:
Antiepileptic Meds Related to Suicidal Ideation
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Content by Diana E. Lee.
