The FDA announced on December 16, 2008 that it will require the manufacturers of antiepileptic drugs to add a warning that the use of antiepileptic drugs increases suicide ideation. Antiepileptic drugs are used to treat epilepsy, psychiatric disorders, migraine headaches, and other conditions.
"Patients being treated with antiepileptic drugs for any indication should be monitored for the emergence or worsening of depression, suicidal thoughts or behavior, or any unusual changes in mood or behavior, " said Russell Katz, MD, director of the Division of Neurology Products in the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research."
Click here to link to the FDA press release.
Click here to link to the Associated Press article on the FDA mandate regarding anti-epileptic medication.
Click here for the February 12, 2008 MCPAP post on this issue.
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