Antiepileptic Drugs and Suicidality

In the October 2010 issue of Drug, Health Care and Patient Safety, an open access medical journal, http://www.dovepress.com/antiepileptic-drugs-and-suicidality-peer-reviewed-article-DHPS, Drs. Jeff Britton and Jerry Shih from Mayo Clinic Campuses in Rochester and Jacksonville, Florida, review the United States Federal Drug Administration warning on seizure drugs and suicide risk issued two years ago. In this detailed review, the writers list out all of the evidence that is currently known on the topic. The most helpful aspects of the paper are the recommendations for neurologists, epileptologists and family members as they pertain to the use of anti-epileptic drugs. It is important to recognize warning signs that may signal suicide risk and note that this is a preventable and uncommon condition. Informing your physician, family members, health care provider will go a long way in making certain that appropriate adjustment and management of underlying depression can occur.