Dec 26 2008
New warnings on some bipolar meds
Anti-convulsants are used frequently as bipolar medications such as Klonopin, Topamax, Dilantin and others which can be very helpful for managing bipolar disorder. December 16, 2008, the FDA announced that all anti-convulsants must now have a warning about possible suicidality and depression from taking these drugs.Suicidality is defined by the FDA as suicidal behavior or thoughts. They based this decision on review of clinical trials where it was found that the risk of suicidality was approximately twice that of placebo. The actual percentages were 0.24% for placebo and 0.43% for those taking anti-convulsants. Fortunately, the chance of suicidality from anti-convulsants is low, though it’s worth noting that this can happen on the small percentage chance it happens to you. That way you can get help quicker, and possibly discontinue that particular medication, if both you and doctors are aware that this is a possibility.Try not to worry about it too much, though. I was actually suicidal before I started anti-convulsant treatment for my bipolar disorder, and it went away very quickly after starting them. So it can also be well worth taking them. Don’t discount them if your psychiatrist prescribes them, just keep the warning in mind.
