Epilepsy Drugs May Trigger Schizophrenia
Posted: Thu Oct 22, 2009 3:32 pm
This may apply to Neurontin & Lyrica
http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7016755002
======================================================
Epilepsy Drugs May Trigger Schizophrenia
October 21, 2009 6:34 a.m. EST
David Goodhue - AHN Reporter
Washington, DC (AHN) - Drugs given to prevent seizures in epileptic children may contribute to the development of schizophrenia later in life, according to researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center.
The researchers said in a statement that exposure to anti-epileptic drugs in animal test subjects during critical periods of brain development increased schizophrenia-like behaviors in the lab animals.
Guillermo Palchik, a doctoral student at the university's department of pediatrics, said in a statement that the findings raise questions about the safety of administering drugs like Phenobarbital to children because they trigger the cell death in many brain regions.
He said the drugs are also being prescribed as a treatment for migraines, neuropathic pain and mood disorders.
The study was funded by grants from the National Institutes of Health and a research grant from drug giant GlaxoSmithKline. It was presented at the 39th annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience held at the university.
Read more: http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles ... z0Uh8VQGA5
http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7016755002
======================================================
Epilepsy Drugs May Trigger Schizophrenia
October 21, 2009 6:34 a.m. EST
David Goodhue - AHN Reporter
Washington, DC (AHN) - Drugs given to prevent seizures in epileptic children may contribute to the development of schizophrenia later in life, according to researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center.
The researchers said in a statement that exposure to anti-epileptic drugs in animal test subjects during critical periods of brain development increased schizophrenia-like behaviors in the lab animals.
Guillermo Palchik, a doctoral student at the university's department of pediatrics, said in a statement that the findings raise questions about the safety of administering drugs like Phenobarbital to children because they trigger the cell death in many brain regions.
He said the drugs are also being prescribed as a treatment for migraines, neuropathic pain and mood disorders.
The study was funded by grants from the National Institutes of Health and a research grant from drug giant GlaxoSmithKline. It was presented at the 39th annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience held at the university.
Read more: http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles ... z0Uh8VQGA5