The recent FDA Alert prompted the following opinions from two members of the epilepsy.com Editorial Board.

“For the average person with epilepsy, these findings should cause no concern. However, they do highlight that epilepsy is a brain disorder and is treated with medications that can affect brain function. Any person with epilepsy who has depression, anxiety, confusion, or thoughts of harming themselves should contact their physician.”

Orrin Devinsky, MD
Director, The Epilepsy Center
New York University

“Unfortunately, the media has disseminated this FDA alert in an alarmist manner that may cause unnecessary concern among patients and families. Great caution must be used in the interpretation of the FDA Alert published 1/31/08 suggesting an increased risk of suicidal ideation and behavior associated with the use of antiepileptic drugs (AED).

First, it is well known that many people with epilepsy also suffer from depression and anxiety. Second, stopping AEDs could result in significant worsening of seizures as well as depression and anxiety symptoms. Finally, worsening of symptoms of depression and anxiety are known to occur with starting certain AEDs but this is often temporary. Therefore, it is already part of good clinical practice to monitor the impact of any AED with regard to psychiatric side effects.”

Andres M. Kanner, MD
Professor of Neurological Sciences, Rush Medical College
and Associate Director, Section of Epilepsy and Rush Epilepsy Center,
Rush University Medical Center, Chicago