Fibromyalgia Treatments' Label May Not Carry FDA's Highest Warning of Suicide Risk
After reporting a few months ago that it may force makers of 11 anti-seizure drugs, including the fibromyalgia treatments Lyrica (pregabalin) and Neurontin (gabapentin), to carry a prominent suicide-risk label, an FDA panel now says the risk doesn't appear great enough for that type of labeling. The Wall Street Journal reports that decision could be an $8-billion boon to the companies that make those medications.
Instead of the highly visible warning for patients, the panel recommends sending a medication guide to doctors explaining the suicide risk linked to these drugs.
Just over a year ago, Lyrica became the first drug to be FDA approved as a fibromyalgia treatment. Doctors frequently prescribe Neurontin, Lyrica's predecesor, in part because it's far less expensive. Neurontin, however, carries a greater risk of general side effects. The other anti-seizure drugs linked to a heightened suicide risk are:
- Carbatrol, Equetro, Tegretol, Tegretol XR (carbamazepine)
- Felbatol (felbamate)
- Lamictal (lamtrigine)
- Keppra (levetiracetam)
- Trileptal (oxcarbazepine)
- Gabitril (tiagabine)
- Topamax (topiramate)
- Depakote, Depakote ER, Depakene, Depacon (valproate)
- Zonegran (zonisamide)
Even if the risk is small, it's still there. If you're taking any of these drugs, both you and those closest to you should know they do put you at risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Please keep this list of resources on hand in case of an emergency.
Resources:
- Suicide Crisis Hotlines (US): 1-800-784-2433 or 1-800-273-8255
- Warning Signs of Suicide
- How to Help a Suicidal Person
- FDA Information for Healthcare Professionals
- About.com's Fibromyalgia & ME/CFS Forum
Comments
I have been taking Lyrica for a year now with no thought of suicide. I am also on Zoloft to treat my depression. Lyrica is safe, if taken as directed. Of course, as with any medication, there are certain risks. One can’t tell how it may effect an individual until it’s taken.
I understand that all drugs have side affects
But as a person that has Fibro along with other pain reasons.Any help some times is better than ne help. I think you should do a study on how many people have comment suicide with any help.????? Can you anwer that one. ?
I couldn’t take Lyrica. I wasn’t even depressed before going on it. I became “seriously” depressed, to the point of giving up. If you take it and start getting depressed, get off of it immediately.