FDA issues an alert on seizure drugs
From Times Staff and Wire Reports
Epilepsy drugs used by millions may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior, the Food and Drug Administration warned this week in an alert to doctors.
The FDA analyzed almost 200 studies of 11 anti-seizure drugs, some of which have been on the market for decades. The studies tracked almost 28,000 people given the medications and an additional 16,000 given placebos.
The FDA found that patients taking the drugs faced about twice the risk: 0.43% experienced suicidal thoughts or behavior, compared with 0.22% of those taking a placebo.
