According to the agency, "patients receiving any of the 11 drugs had approximately twice the risk of suicidal behavior or ideation, or 0.43 percent, compared to 0.22 percent of patients receiving placebo in studies involving about 44,000 patients." Furthermore, the increase in risk "was observed as early as one week after starting an anti-epileptic drug, and continued through 24 weeks."

According to the New York Times (2/1, A22, Harris, Carey), the "medications are primarily used to help epileptics control seizures," as well as "to calm the surges in energy and mood that, along with bouts of depression, characterize bipolar disorder." Several of the drugs (for example, Topamax [topiramate] and Neurontin [gabapentin]) "are sometimes prescribed for chronic pain and headaches, as well."

Related Links:

- "Suicidal-Thoughts Risk Is Linked To Drugs Used to Treat Epilepsy," Jennifer Corbett Dooren, Wall Street Journal, February 1, 2008, p. B6.
- "F.D.A. Finds Increase in Suicide Symptoms for Patients Using Seizure Medications," Gardiner Harris and Benedict Carey, New York Times, February 1, 2008.
- "FDA Alerts Health Care Providers to Risk of Suicidal Thoughts and Behavior with Antiepileptic Medications," FDA press release, January 31, 2008.