Anti-Epileptic Drugs and the Risk of Suicide

Treatments, Rehabilitation, and Recovery
Locked
User avatar
Christopher
Posts: 845
Joined: Wed Jun 18, 2003 10:09 pm
Injury Description, Date, extent, surgical intervention etc: Date of Injury: 12/15/02

Level of Injury:
-dominant side C5, C6, & C7 avulsed. C8 & T1 stretched & crushed

BPI Related Surgeries:
-2 Intercostal nerves grafted to Biceps muscle,
-Free-Gracilis muscle transfer to Biceps Region innervated with 2 Intercostal nerves grafts.
-2 Sural nerves harvested from both Calves for nerve grafting.
-Partial Ulnar nerve grafted to Long Triceps.
-Uninjured C7 Hemi-Contralateral cross-over to Deltoid muscle.
-Wrist flexor tendon transfer to middle, ring, & pinky finger extensors.

Surgical medical facility:
Brachial Plexus Clinic at The Mayo Clinic, Rochester MN
(all surgeries successful)

"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are."
~Theodore Roosevelt
Location: Los Angeles, California USA

Anti-Epileptic Drugs and the Risk of Suicide

Post by Christopher »

http://brainblogger.com/2008/08/03/anti ... f-suicide/
==========================================================
Anti-Epileptic Drugs and the Risk of Suicide

August 03, 2008 | By Jennifer Gibson

Site: http://brainblogger.com


The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has evaluated the risk of suicide associated with antiepileptic drugs. The FDA examined 11 antiepileptic drugs, among nearly 28,000 patients, and found that patients taking an antiepileptic drug have an increased risk for suicidal behavior or ideation, compared to 16,000 patients receiving a placebo.

The FDA’s assessment consisted of reviewing 199 placebo-controlled trials evaluating the safety and efficacy of various antiepileptic drugs (also known as anticonvulsants). The following drugs were included in the review: carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol), felbamate (Felbatol), gabapentin (Neurontin), lamotrigine (Lamictal), levetiracetam (Keppra), oxcarbazepine (Trileptal), pregabalin (Lyrica), tiagabine (Gabitril), topiramate (Topamax), valproate (Depakote, Depakene, Depacon), and zonisamide (Zonegran). Although only these drugs were included in the review, experts suggest that all anticonvulsant drugs carry the same risk. Antiepileptic drugs are not just used to treat epilepsy. They can be used to treat psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety, as well as migraines and neuropathic pain.

Overall, the risk of suicide is double for patients receiving an antiepileptic drug, compared to patients receiving a placebo. Approximately 2 patients per 1000 exhibited suicidal thoughts or behaviors when treated with an antiepileptic drug. A total of 4 patients completed suicide among the treatment groups, while no suicides occurred in the placebo groups. The risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors was higher in patients with epilepsy, versus psychiatric or other conditions, in the FDA’s evaluation.

All of the drugs evaluated in the study appear to have a similar risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The risk was also consistent across all major demographic groups studied. Only patients aged 5 years or older were included in this analysis, with an average age of 42 years. Slightly more than half of the patients were female and more than three-quarters were white. The only subgroup of patients that showed a slightly higher risk of suicidal behavior was non-North American patients, versus patients who resided in North America. 61% of patients evaluated were from North American locations.

The increased risk of suicide was seen as early as one week after starting treatment with an antiepileptic drug, and continued for at least 24 weeks. (Most of the trials included in the review did not extend past 24 weeks, so suicidal thoughts and behaviors after this time cannot be accurately assessed.)

Healthcare professionals are advised to use this information when prescribing antiepileptic drugs for any patients. The risks associated with the drugs should be balanced with the benefit obtained from the treatment.

Patients and families must also be aware of the risks associated with antiepileptic drugs and monitor patients for emerging or worsening depression, anxiety, hostility, or mania. Patients should not stop taking an antiepileptic drug without first discussing it with their healthcare providers.

The FDA is currently working with manufacturers of antiepileptic drugs to require additional safety information and warnings in the each of the drug’s labeling.

FDA. Statistical Review and Evaluation: Antiepileptic Drugs and Suicidality. 2008.
User avatar
marieke
Posts: 1627
Joined: Fri Apr 01, 2005 6:00 pm
Injury Description, Date, extent, surgical intervention etc: LOBPI
no external rotation against gravity, can only go to 90 degree fwd flexion, no hand-to-mouth
1 surgery at age 14 (latissimus dorsi transfer). In 2004, at age 28 I was struck with Transverse Myelitis which paralyzed me from the chest down. I recovered movement to my right leg, but need a KAFO to walk on my left leg. I became an RN in 2008.
Location: Montreal, Qc, Canada
Contact:

Re: Anti-Epileptic Drugs and the Risk of Suicide

Post by marieke »

Does it say anywhere what the dosages were? This can make a huge difference.

This is not a "new" story/research, it's been known in the media for a few years now.

Marieke 32, LOBPI
Marieke Dufresne RN
34, LOBPI
http://nurse-to-be08.blogspot.com
Locked