Most people think of anticonvulsant medications as a treatment for seizures – which they are. But, these drugs are commonly used to treat a variety of other conditions such as fibromyalgia, nerve inflammation, and some psychological conditions such as bipolar disorder. These medications have benefits for people who take them, but they also have side effects – some of which are serious. Disturbingly, a new study shows that taking anticonvulsants can increase the risk of suicide.

Anticonvulsant Use and Suicide Risk

In a study published in the medical journal JAMA, researchers at Harvard Medical School looked at the records of 297,620 patients in fourteen states who had received prescriptions for anticonvulsant medications over a five year period. They found that this group had a higher risk of suicide when they took certain seizure medications such as valproate, gabapentin, oxcarbazepin, tiagabine, and lamotrigine.

Why Would Seizure Medications Increase the Risk of Suicide?

Anticonvulsant medications work by blocking the receptors for certain types of neurotransmitters in the brain and by blocking sodium and calcium channels. Because neurotransmitters regulate mood, it’s not surprising that altering their levels could lead to changes in behavior – and potentially increase the risk of suicide in some. People most at risk would likely be those who have pre-existing psychiatric problems. Another disturbing finding. In this study, a higher risk of violent death was also seen in people who used anticonvulsants.

Are There Alternatives to Taking Anticonvulsants?

Fortunately, there are other medications available to treat some of the conditions that anticonvulsants are traditionally prescribed for – such as neuropathy and fibromyalgia. In some people antidepressants can be used – although these medications also have side effects. In cases of painful nerve inflammation, pain medications may offer some benefits. Even better are alternative therapies such as physical therapy, acupuncture, biofeedback, and relaxation therapy which can help people with neuropathies and fibromyalgia. On the other hand, patients who have seizures may have few alternatives to taking anticonvulsants.

Seizure Medications and the Risk of Suicide: The Bottom Line?

If you’re taking anticonvulsants, talk to your doctor about other options that might be available to you. Although the risk of suicide is still small, why take the chance if there are safer alternatives?

References:

Eurekalert website. “Use of certain anticonvulsant medications may be associated with increased risk of suicide”.

Filed under: Fitness

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