title: Antiepileptic drugs and suicidality.
abstract: The current study is a systematic review of the literature concerning the possible relationship of antiepileptics and suicide-related clinical features and behaviours. A MEDLINE search returned 863 papers but only five were chosen as relevant. A critical analysis of the Food and Drug Administration report is also included. Overall, the current review suggests there are no convincing data concerning a 'class effect' of antiepileptics in inducing any type of suicide-related behaviours. Further research is needed concerning topiramate, lamotrigine and maybe leviracetam. Clinicians are expected to inform patients and their families on the possible increased risk but it is important not to overemphasise the issue, since stopping or refusing to start antiepileptics may result in serious harm, including death of the patient. Future randomised controlled trials should specifically focus on issues concerning depression and suicidal thoughts in patients with epilepsy.
authors.affiliation: 13rd Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece. kfount@med.auth.gr
authors.forename: Konstantinos N
authors.initials: KN
authors.lastname: Fountoulakis
authors.forename: Xenia
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Gonda
authors.forename: Myrto
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Samara
authors.forename: Marianna
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Siapera
authors.forename: Vaggelis
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Karavelas
authors.forename: Dragana I
authors.initials: DI
authors.lastname: Ristic
authors.forename: Apostolos
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Iacovides
mesh_terms: D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003863:Depression / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D012306:Risk; D059020:Suicidal Ideation; D013405:Suicide / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014481:United States; D014486:United States Food and Drug Administration
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants