The U.S. Food and Drug Administration now warns that Lyrica, which is the only drug approved for fibromyalgia, and other anti-seizure drugs can double your risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. This comes after the FDA analyzed studies of 11 drugs in this category.
While not suggesting that you stop taking your medicine, the FDA wants doctors to make sure you and your family know about the risk so everyone can be on guard for behavior changes. If you or someone you know is taking one of these drugs, you should be familiar with the warning signs and how to help a suicidal person.
The studies were on the following drugs:
- Lyrica (pregabalin)
- Carbatrol, Equetro, Tegretol, Tegretol XR (carbamazepine)
- Felbatol (felbamate)
- Neurontin (gabapentin)
- Lamictal (lamtrigine)
- Keppra (levetiracetam)
- Trileptal (oxcarbazepine)
- Gabitril (tiagabine)
- Topamax (topiramate)
- Depakote, Depakote ER, Depakene, Depacon (valproate)
- Zonegran (zonisamide)
While other anti-seizure drugs weren't part of the analysis, the FDA expects that all of the drugs in that class share the risk and likely will apply the labeling changes to all of them.
Resources:
- FDA Information for Healthcare Professionals
- Suicide Crisis Hotlines (US): 1-800-784-2433 or 1-800-273-8255
- Warning Signs of Suicide
- How to Help a Suicidal Person
