The FDA is requiring the manufacturers of 11 different epilepsy drugs, such as Lamictal, Lyrica, Topamax and Depakote, to warn about potential side effects that may increase the risk of suicide and suicidal thoughts.
About 2.7 million Americans have epilepsy, and the anti-seizure drugs generate sales of over $10 billion a year, making them the fifth best-selling class of medications in the United States.
FDA officials originally indicated earlier this year that the medications should carry a “black box” warning about the suicide side effects of the epilepsy drugs, which would be the strongest warning that can be placed on a prescription medication.
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Side effects of Topamax during pregnancy linked to birth defect risk.
Learn More About this Lawsuit SEE IF YOU QUALIFY FOR COMPENSATIONHowever, a panel of independent advisors to the FDA met in July 2008, and concluded that that a “black box” suicide warning was not appropriate.
In a statement released December 16, 2008, the FDA indicates that they have completed their analysis of data involving suicides and suicidal thoughts with the drugs used to treat epilepsy, psychiatric disorders and other conditions.
Based on their review, the FDA is requiring all manufacturers to add information about the risk of suicidal thoughts an actions to the Warning section of their labeling and to develop a Medication Guide which will be provided to patients receiving the drugs.
The 11 epilepsy drugs which will carry the new suicide warnings include: Carbamazepine (marketed as Carbatrol, Equetro, Tegretol, Tegretol XR); Felbamate (marketed as Felbatol); Gabapentin (marketed as Neurontin); Lamotrigine (marketed as Lamictal); Levetiracetam (marketed as Keppra); Oxcarbazepine (marketed as Trileptal); Pregabalin (marketed as Lyrica); Tiagabine (marketed as Gabitril); Topiramate (marketed as Topamax); Valproate (marketed as Depakote, Depakote ER, Depakene, Depacon); and Zonisamide (marketed as Zonegran).
The FDA indicates that they have reviewed data from nearly 200 clinical trials, which indicate that those taking one of the epilepsy drugs are nearly twice as likely to experience suicidal behavior or thoughts when compared to those taking a placebo.
For every 500 patients treated with an antiepileptic drug, the FDA suggests that one additional suicide could be caused.
Healthcare providers have been asked to notify patients, their families and caregivers about the potential epilepsy drug suicide side effects, so that they can watch for unusual behavior or suicidal thoughts.
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64 Comments
JessicaOctober 14, 2021 at 9:15 pm
I sought treatment for trauma and trauma symptoms in 2004. While I was undergoing therapy, I was prescribed Lexapro, Abilify, and Gabatril. As described in the above, I was prescribed Gabatril for my anxiety to be taken 2-3 times daily. I attempted and was nearly successful within a few months. I was taken to the ER by my roommate. I recall a social worker attempting to complete a crisis assess[Show More]I sought treatment for trauma and trauma symptoms in 2004. While I was undergoing therapy, I was prescribed Lexapro, Abilify, and Gabatril. As described in the above, I was prescribed Gabatril for my anxiety to be taken 2-3 times daily. I attempted and was nearly successful within a few months. I was taken to the ER by my roommate. I recall a social worker attempting to complete a crisis assessment, I had been given charcoal, however, I was discharged that night with no memory of what had occurred.
BereniceJanuary 19, 2017 at 9:42 am
I attempted suicide several times while taking carbamazapine,I was attitude to a psychiatric institution every time.i started the drug in 1990. My behaviour changed dramatically . Not one of the medical professionals made the connection with the medication. I stopped taking the Meds after being prescribed anti-psychotic meds amoung other drugs I was prescribed to counter the side effects in 2005. [Show More]I attempted suicide several times while taking carbamazapine,I was attitude to a psychiatric institution every time.i started the drug in 1990. My behaviour changed dramatically . Not one of the medical professionals made the connection with the medication. I stopped taking the Meds after being prescribed anti-psychotic meds amoung other drugs I was prescribed to counter the side effects in 2005. I am free of any mental health issues and my seizures are few. Never again will I take another anti-convulsant.
CarolNovember 19, 2016 at 2:54 am
My daughter was taking topamax and committed suicide on February 8, 2016. She was 46 years old.
margaretSeptember 1, 2016 at 3:13 pm
My daughter 27years old on Levetiracet 6weeks she comitted sucide on August 12,2016 she took it didnt wana die from seizure
KristieJune 4, 2016 at 3:54 am
My husband was on 1000mg of depakote for migraine headaches for three years and committed suicide May 10, 2016!!! He was 41 yrs old with 4 children and a wife. I'm outraged!!!!! He was also an alcoholic and the doctors still allowed him on this medication!!! What can be done??? Anything????
joannaMay 21, 2016 at 10:20 pm
My mother committed suicide on 2012 may 12 after using dilanton and tegretol since 2009 she would at times cry all thru the night complaining about how much her body would ache and the headaches won't stop she couldn't think or move or breathe without being in excruciating pain and on the horrible day on 5-12-12 she hung herself in my aunts apartment with a ace bandage from the ceiling fan it was[Show More]My mother committed suicide on 2012 may 12 after using dilanton and tegretol since 2009 she would at times cry all thru the night complaining about how much her body would ache and the headaches won't stop she couldn't think or move or breathe without being in excruciating pain and on the horrible day on 5-12-12 she hung herself in my aunts apartment with a ace bandage from the ceiling fan it was and is a extremely painful and hurtful memory I will never be able to bet over or move on from it really took a toll on my family and our lives to this day I hope that people will come to see that these medications combined are very dangerous and put a stop to the prescriptions that end in death and pain please help make right what destroyed my life.
BlakeFebruary 25, 2016 at 2:51 am
9 days on lamictal. Strong sense of unwelcoming rejection feeling both inside brain and what people say and show. Having thoughts of suicide to prevent people the pain that I bring. Do not want to do drugs anymore.
LIZAFebruary 21, 2014 at 6:20 pm
MY 16 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER COMMITTED SUICIDE 6 WEEKS AFTER BEING ON TOPOMAX!
maryDecember 3, 2013 at 5:56 pm
My son Michael committed suicide at age 14 he was on Trilipital. He was allergic to its cousin Tegretol but the pediatric nuerologist said he would be fine. He had no mental illness just frontal lobe seizures that were effecting school. This happened 10/17/03. At that time no attorney could take our case due to not enough research. Mikie\'s case is in the FDA adverse reactions section on trilipit[Show More]My son Michael committed suicide at age 14 he was on Trilipital. He was allergic to its cousin Tegretol but the pediatric nuerologist said he would be fine. He had no mental illness just frontal lobe seizures that were effecting school. This happened 10/17/03. At that time no attorney could take our case due to not enough research. Mikie\'s case is in the FDA adverse reactions section on trilipital. Our lives are of Great Sadness. I am willing to help others in any way.
shantaeMay 7, 2013 at 8:16 am
I am now on keppra in i been having suicide thoughts everday for 3 weeks i was prescribed it for my epilepsy everyday is a struggle i dont believe in suicide but i been thinking of it so i surround myself around my family to help prevent it
tomJanuary 31, 2013 at 9:25 am
I have attempted suicide twice now since taking Lamotrigine. The dreams/nightmares that I have on this drug are so vivid that I can't tell the difference between reality and dreams anymore. I got tired of being suicidal so I went to see a psychiatrist and she added Celexa which just made me grind my teeth. And the drugs did little to nothing to control my seizures. I can't remember the last we[Show More]I have attempted suicide twice now since taking Lamotrigine. The dreams/nightmares that I have on this drug are so vivid that I can't tell the difference between reality and dreams anymore. I got tired of being suicidal so I went to see a psychiatrist and she added Celexa which just made me grind my teeth. And the drugs did little to nothing to control my seizures. I can't remember the last week I have gone without a seizure.
ShawnaNovember 16, 2012 at 8:11 am
My boyfriend killed himself eight month ago he was taking depakote.
KatherineMay 9, 2012 at 6:27 am
My father was on gobs of Depakote for Bipolar Disorder for about 2 years prior to his horrific suicide. He was 52 years old. I have always inutitively attributed his death to Depakote He had dramatic changes in mood in the months preceeding his death, all seemingly overlooked by his doctor. Drug manufactures need to be bound to stricter guidelines for studies. 1 in 500 patients committed suicide [Show More]My father was on gobs of Depakote for Bipolar Disorder for about 2 years prior to his horrific suicide. He was 52 years old. I have always inutitively attributed his death to Depakote He had dramatic changes in mood in the months preceeding his death, all seemingly overlooked by his doctor. Drug manufactures need to be bound to stricter guidelines for studies. 1 in 500 patients committed suicide in one study done on Depakote. That ONE could be someone's loved one, like mine. It's just wrong. Maybe they just need to take if off the maket altogether. With all the birth defects and cases with elderly patients whove taken Depakote, it seems to being doing more harm than good. I'm devistated about the off-label usage of this drug. It's an anti-seizure med, not a traditional psychotropic drug.
LauraJanuary 26, 2012 at 2:43 pm
My husband was on Lyrica for about 2 months and committed suicide. He has RSD/CRPS. He had just been taking his methadone and Effexor, but as soon as he started Lyrica, he changed. Please be extremely careful with this drug. His suicide was a complete surprise.
TerryJanuary 9, 2012 at 4:04 am
I was diagnosed with epilepsy in '01 after 31 years of never having nothing wrong with me, I did'nt understand it and still dont to an extent. I've been on lyrica for almost 10yrs. I removed myself from it without doctors consent because I started noticing changes (mental) that I didnt like. Ive been on tegretol for aprox. 7 yrs after dilantin didnt help so my doc n I figured I was becoming immune[Show More]I was diagnosed with epilepsy in '01 after 31 years of never having nothing wrong with me, I did'nt understand it and still dont to an extent. I've been on lyrica for almost 10yrs. I removed myself from it without doctors consent because I started noticing changes (mental) that I didnt like. Ive been on tegretol for aprox. 7 yrs after dilantin didnt help so my doc n I figured I was becoming immune. So tegratol was prescribed and ive been on it since, until this past summer when I determined that since I was seizing with or without it I no longer wanted to be on it since there was no benifit. Never was I given any type of warning about suicidal side effects by either any of my doctors or pharmacys. After dping some reading and studying ive learned about these side effects, which explains alot especially since shortly after stopping this medication thoughts and actions of suicide had became an issue. Thoughts of suicide had come in before but I figured it was a phase n i'd get over it. Lately ive found that I dont like going out into public for more than a short period of time, which affects both my family as well as myself. Especially when before I nevee liked being at home, I prefered to be out n about. After reading all ive read about these products I feel they need to take a long hard look n more studys need to be done to provide a safe medication instead of just replacing one drug with another. If I knew who to contact you can bet your ass id join and sue, not just for me but my children who had to suffer along with myslef n spouse!
MonicaDecember 5, 2011 at 11:04 pm
My daughter was prescribed the generic version of Zonegran and 3 days after she attemped suicide. Im very lost because she does not have epilepsy, she was prescribed the medicine because of a constant headache. The doctor never advised us of side effects. We are lucky that she is alive. She is only 16 yrs. Ir anyone can refer us an attorney we would appreciate it.
KateNovember 10, 2011 at 3:47 am
TRY THE KETOGENIC/MODIFIED ATKINS DIET I have had epilepsy since I was 6 and am now 31. Needless to say I have grown up on epilepsy meds. I have tried to commit suicide twice. Unlike many others that have posted here, after changing to Lamictal, my depression completely disappeared. However while Lamictal controls my tonic clonic seizures, I still have absences on it. Two prominant neurolog[Show More]TRY THE KETOGENIC/MODIFIED ATKINS DIET I have had epilepsy since I was 6 and am now 31. Needless to say I have grown up on epilepsy meds. I have tried to commit suicide twice. Unlike many others that have posted here, after changing to Lamictal, my depression completely disappeared. However while Lamictal controls my tonic clonic seizures, I still have absences on it. Two prominant neurologists have both, at different stages, wanted me to switch from Lamictal to Topomax to try and achieve complete seizure control. Both times I felt awful. The second time I almost committed suicide after only 2 weeks. Outside of Topomax I had no depression. A week after I just 'stopped taking it' (against doctor advice) I was back to being myself again. I can now say with 100% certainty that it was the Topomax. My absences still aren't controlled. Doctors think that I'm being irrational and over reactive by not wanting to go back to trying more drugs again (I've tried more than my fair share). After much research I decided I had very little to lose by independently trying a Ketogenic or Modified Atkins Diet. Within about 10 days of doing a Modified Atkins I'd stopped having absences.
EricMay 1, 2011 at 3:57 am
I have been on Zonegran for just over a month, I am irritable because I feel like crap, I have lost a lot of weight, no appetite, and I was never told a darn thing about weight loss as a possible side effect, or the irritability issues, this is a bad drug. No one told me a thing about Smith- Johnson Syndrome which if you get it can kill you, phenytoin can cause this syndrome too, and I'm taking 20[Show More]I have been on Zonegran for just over a month, I am irritable because I feel like crap, I have lost a lot of weight, no appetite, and I was never told a darn thing about weight loss as a possible side effect, or the irritability issues, this is a bad drug. No one told me a thing about Smith- Johnson Syndrome which if you get it can kill you, phenytoin can cause this syndrome too, and I'm taking 200 mg of zonegran a day on top of 200 mg of phenytoin in the morning and 200 mg at night, I feel dizzy, and I have lost at least 12 lbs in one month. On top of that zonegran has been associated with suicides, not that I am, but I sure don't want to be either, so I'm getting off this cr-p asap, but I can't just stop now, I have to slowly quit or run the risk of another seizure. How these drugs get on the market past the FDA astounds me. Trust the Government? What? I have an attorney already for a related matter, but I sure didn't need to loose 12 plus pounds. I only weighed 122 to begin with. Now I'm a ghost. No wonder I feel so bad.
BrendaApril 19, 2011 at 8:33 am
My daughter who is 29 is on dailysis and have been since she was 13, well she had surgery 3 weeks ago and was sent home on norco and percocet by 2 different doctors and was on neurontin and other drugs before that. Before her surgery about a month ago her neurontin was increased because she was still having headaches, migrines that they tried to control with hydrocodone too.My daughter had suicide[Show More]My daughter who is 29 is on dailysis and have been since she was 13, well she had surgery 3 weeks ago and was sent home on norco and percocet by 2 different doctors and was on neurontin and other drugs before that. Before her surgery about a month ago her neurontin was increased because she was still having headaches, migrines that they tried to control with hydrocodone too.My daughter had suicide thoughts from taking all these meds from different Doctors because she didnt feel like going to Dailysis for 2 treatments she wanted to sleep and she wasnt eating much but let me say she has missed before because she knows her fluild intake and she's been at it over 16 yrs.Now I see the effects of these drugs because she didn't have her blood cleaned so all those meds stayed in her system now she has been committed because they think she tried to kill herself, instead of looking at the meds she was on. Her Kidney Doctor lowered her dosage on Neurontin even though it was another doctor that put her on that,He cleared her medically but now some doctor wanted to committ her she never did anything like this and I told them that it had to be the meds they just look at me, it's alot of stuff not adding up they said she have 2 stay they even had security come up so I wouldn't leave with her I don't know the law on this stuff because never happen to us before. They didnt show her no court order but they said they have 1.She's been on the mental ward 2 days they wouln't let her leave the medical floor,they committed her straight from there so in all 6 days.She never had any mental problems even with over 30 to 40 surgeries and procedures she is strong and very responsible sometimes she put herself on the machine at dailysis and take herself off .Even her Kidney doctor don't want her on the mental ward but he said that it was up to the psych doctors even though 1 of them said she could be discharged another doctor came in out the blue and said no then he said if she didnt he would restrain and put a strayjacket on her, her roommate on the medical floor heard this and told me how he was talking to her and that he acutally said that,now she's scared they might not let her out ,she had this hernia surgery so she can start back on her chemo for her kidney at U of M,they don't look at the big picture the MEDS before this surgery and the meds the put her on after the surgery they just want to milk the insurance saying she need to go to the mental ward involutary,hell they even had a sitter with her 24/7 on the medical floor, she never fought anyone or tried to hurt anyone they know that she was overmedicated and it came out because she didnt go to treatment that stuff could have built up over time and I could have been writing this about my daughter who died from these meds. They act like other patients don't miss treatments some of them miss a whole week and stroll in for treatment 7 or 8 kilos over.My daughter watches her fliud ,shes on a mission for a kidney and they are trying to slow the process down with this mental illness diagnosis to cover-up something they shoul'dve been on the same page with as a group of Doctors who should know all the medications and side effect it would have on her.Please wish us luck on getting her out before they try to medicated her on meds that will do more harm then good
nateJanuary 18, 2011 at 6:29 am
my view...(sorry this is long, but hopefully it helps somebody) i returned home from my first deployment in jan of 08. i never heard anything about lyrica and its harmful side effects. not even after december of 08 when they decided that lyrica does indeed carry serious harmful side effects and more precautions should be taken did i ever hear anything about it.who did they tell? was it just do[Show More]my view...(sorry this is long, but hopefully it helps somebody) i returned home from my first deployment in jan of 08. i never heard anything about lyrica and its harmful side effects. not even after december of 08 when they decided that lyrica does indeed carry serious harmful side effects and more precautions should be taken did i ever hear anything about it.who did they tell? was it just doctors? was it just the pharmaceutical companies? what about the families and the person being prescribed this medication, they are the ones who need to really know this information. i deployed for my second time at the end of april 09(still never hearing anything about any kinds of adverse effects of lyrica at all). when going overseas you spend your first couple weeks in kuwait to get acclimated and for classes before going on to your assignment. i was only in kuwait a couple of days when i got the news my mother had passed away. and i did not know why or what happened until i got home and talked with my family. i was totally distraught after finding out she had past away because not only was she deceased, but that she had.. COMMITTED SUICIDE..and on my birthday.that along with her committing suicide has left me with many ?'s and feelings that still bother me til this day. i didnt even see commercials about lyrica after i got back my second time, which was around april 2010. i just recently started seeing commercials on tv about this and started wondering and putting things together,could this one stupid pill that she took really be the reason i no longer have a mother?? granted i do not watch a whole lot of tv, but you would think sometime since this medication came on the market i would have heard something, especially after the FDA did a study and put out more serious precautions with this medication.i would like to make a commercial ,or have one made, that warns people about the serious side effects of medication.i feel that the people need to see it from someone who knows about it first hand.i do not want even one family having to go thru what i went thru or anything worse.i know there are commercials out promoting their prescription and at the end they do throw in some of the side effects, but that just isn't enough. people look at those potential side effects and think just that... those are possible side effects and very rarely happen so it prob wont happen to me. well they are very wrong and nieve to believe this. the drug companies know there are side effects of medications because eventually they did studies on them and seen that certain drugs have certain reactions that vary differently with every individual. it's why they know about and put out side effects.. cause they have happened to other people.. who is to blame... the people who make the drug, the fda for not catching such serious side effects as severe as permanent damage to the body,up to and including death. is it the doctors fault fault for not properly warning the person and especially the family members of the person being prescribed the medication so they know what to look for so maybe it could be prevented?? more intense studies should be done on medications with potentionally harmful side effects. and it should def be made more known to the family members that certain drugs pose a risk for those taking that medication. manufactors and doctors should be more cautious and be made to notify family members of certain side effects of drugs, especially ones having anything to do with suicide or death befor releasing the prescription to the patient.so noone has the problem like mine where i never heard or saw any warnings or precautions until it was to late..
MelissaNovember 8, 2010 at 10:54 pm
I've been on 125 mg's of Topamax for about four years and 400 mg's Epitol for five years. I have tonic clonic seizures that popped up here and there after puberty but became a problem in my late 30's. I never liked my epilepsy drugs. The first drug I tryed, Gabipentin made me cry for no reason and I gained 25lbs. for no reason. Vertigo too. I was switched to Topamax. I lost weight at first but now[Show More]I've been on 125 mg's of Topamax for about four years and 400 mg's Epitol for five years. I have tonic clonic seizures that popped up here and there after puberty but became a problem in my late 30's. I never liked my epilepsy drugs. The first drug I tryed, Gabipentin made me cry for no reason and I gained 25lbs. for no reason. Vertigo too. I was switched to Topamax. I lost weight at first but now I weigh 110lbs on my best day. I look like walking death. Interesting as I think about death too. I don't see light in life. I don't feel. I was always a cynical person but I found humor in the stupidity. Now I just see the stupidity as cruelty. I see negativity. I was an adventurer, a thrill seeker in a good way. I traveled exotic places all alone, to prove I could, loved meeting interesting new people. Now all people make me sick, so sick I don't see the point in leaving what was my house, then my yard, then now my room. If I can not tell people to get stuffed like they deserve, I'll stay home. And people are scary, I never noticed that, cruel, scary. I don't draw or paint or create. Who was me? It's like everday I look backwards into a fog to try to grab MY hand and pull me out. I won't kill myself because I tell myself everyday I have kids, I can not do that to my kids. And I won't. It is the only reason I don't. I think it's living torture. I was once an educated, well traveled lady. The globe was mine to take. Today, I can't remember what I saying or what you said either but you would probably tick me off accidentally anyway. I told my doctor, my GP, I thought these thoughts were not normal to me. She recommended more drugs. I declined. I told my nuero interns( insurance reasons) and they said "The drugs? Not possible." I went to an emergency room when the feelings got overwhelming and a man said I was a silly woman over reacting to PMS. Nothing more. I'm out of answers so all I know is Iife used to be for the living. I'm walking dead. Waiting on the big guy to pull the plug. Calling him names because he won't.
MilissaOctober 8, 2010 at 8:29 pm
This is really hard to do , i have been on topamax 400 mgs a day for migraines after i passed out behind the wheel, they say its common with epileptics such as myself who is also taking zonegram 200mgs a day, along with neurontin another 200mgs a day, i also have a VNS placed in my chest to control the seizures...i never want to go outside my house...nothing intrests me...i hate life...i dont unde[Show More]This is really hard to do , i have been on topamax 400 mgs a day for migraines after i passed out behind the wheel, they say its common with epileptics such as myself who is also taking zonegram 200mgs a day, along with neurontin another 200mgs a day, i also have a VNS placed in my chest to control the seizures...i never want to go outside my house...nothing intrests me...i hate life...i dont understand why i feel so depressed all time..and now to make matters worse im pregnant and i have a good chance of miscarrying or having a child with a birth defect because of the topamax...ive already been in the E.R. once, and the nuerologist said he would wean me off 100mgs a wk...because the damage is already been done...no one told me what birth defects my child could have i looked them up and thats when i found this site.
tamilSeptember 30, 2010 at 6:57 pm
I have been on Lamictal for about 6 months now for migraines. I take 100 mg at night and 50 mg in the morning. I have never had a problem with anxiety before taking Lamictal, but now I have to take anti-anxiety medication almost daily. It started bout 1 1/2 months after I started the Lamictal. I had no idea that the two things were related. I have also had thoughts that I would be better off no[Show More]I have been on Lamictal for about 6 months now for migraines. I take 100 mg at night and 50 mg in the morning. I have never had a problem with anxiety before taking Lamictal, but now I have to take anti-anxiety medication almost daily. It started bout 1 1/2 months after I started the Lamictal. I had no idea that the two things were related. I have also had thoughts that I would be better off not living, but I have children who depend on me, and sometimes, that is the only thing that keeps me here.
sarahSeptember 2, 2010 at 12:34 am
when i was 13 i was put on lamictal i was supposed to go up to 12 pills a day but i only went up to six,i started having mood swings, my pupls dilated, i became increasingly depressed and then i took all the bottles of pills she gave me of lamictal and was in the hospital for two wks.
AlJuly 22, 2010 at 1:31 am
I was on Depakote. I tried to kill myself three times. I was on meds for ten years. I stayed in my house the entire time. I gave away my $15,000 competition horse and my husband divorced me. I am well now. I year off ALL medication. I hope other people see what this is doing to their lives. I've got mine back, moving forward and never looking back. I've lost ten years.
JoanJuly 17, 2010 at 3:46 pm
I was prescribed Topomax for over 10 years by my highly respected psychiatrist for bipolar disorder and PTSD. I had never been given any blood tests, and now have found that my thyroid is no longer functioning. I stopped taking Topomax, started thyroid meds and now all of the depression, suicidal thoughts, stomach problems and GERD have gone. I am finally starting to feel human again. The com[Show More]I was prescribed Topomax for over 10 years by my highly respected psychiatrist for bipolar disorder and PTSD. I had never been given any blood tests, and now have found that my thyroid is no longer functioning. I stopped taking Topomax, started thyroid meds and now all of the depression, suicidal thoughts, stomach problems and GERD have gone. I am finally starting to feel human again. The combination of Effexor, Topomax and Protonex made me tired and sleepy all the time and numb. I ended up with severe digestive problems for years, couldn't sleep and attempted suicide twice. Now, I can sleep normally, have energy and am not suicidal, or even depressed- or manic! I don't know yet what other damage has been done to my body, but I know that I'm better off now than i was on Topomax.
JeanJuly 7, 2010 at 9:21 pm
My son recently started having seizures, so he went to a doctor who basically didn't have time to listen to him, prescribed Keppra, and 5 days later he committed suicide. He was 33, and not the doctor or the pharmacist counseled either he or his wife about suicidal thoughts. My son was a happy, loving person, and suddenly he was just gone. I hope Keppra is taken off the market and those respons[Show More]My son recently started having seizures, so he went to a doctor who basically didn't have time to listen to him, prescribed Keppra, and 5 days later he committed suicide. He was 33, and not the doctor or the pharmacist counseled either he or his wife about suicidal thoughts. My son was a happy, loving person, and suddenly he was just gone. I hope Keppra is taken off the market and those responsible for this be held accountable.
MonikaJune 30, 2010 at 9:51 pm
I was given Topamax back in Nov. 2009. I had extreme side effects at first. I would sleep all day, hair was thinning, appetite decreased, lost a job because I was to out of it. I felt so dumb most of the time. Then certain body parts started to hurt. I got frozen shoulder, which led to a MRI scan of my shoulder. I had a displaced ligiment, and tore my rotator cuff. My bones felt like brittle. Now[Show More]I was given Topamax back in Nov. 2009. I had extreme side effects at first. I would sleep all day, hair was thinning, appetite decreased, lost a job because I was to out of it. I felt so dumb most of the time. Then certain body parts started to hurt. I got frozen shoulder, which led to a MRI scan of my shoulder. I had a displaced ligiment, and tore my rotator cuff. My bones felt like brittle. Now the worst part!! I became extremely depressed in April. I couldnt take it anymore. I was on a 100 mg of Topamax. All I thought about was suicide. I just wanted out. I had four attempts from April to June. I took all my Topamax in one attempt. Blacked out for two days. I couldnt think or see straight after waking up. I'm a mom, and I couldnt even take care of my child. It was horrible. I constantly gave him to his dad. I was trapped in this depression. Finally after my last attempt I woke up sick, and threw up so hard, I knew I needed help. I told my family. I got off Topamax, and moved in with family. I now see my son more, and feel like a HUMAN. I'm feeling better about my depression, and cant believe I survived all my attempts. I am so sorry to all the family members who lost people they love. Topamax is not SAFE!! My health isnt the same, and I will see what damaged has been done to my kidneys, etc.
SharonJune 21, 2010 at 6:58 pm
My husband was put on Lyrica in the fall of 2009. He tried to commit suicide in December, but I found him in time to get help. He tried again in May, and woke up after being out for 36 hours.. The doctors are amazed that he is living, but he will be living with renal failure and liver damage. He is permantly damaged, when if only his primary physician would have known of the potential deadly side[Show More]My husband was put on Lyrica in the fall of 2009. He tried to commit suicide in December, but I found him in time to get help. He tried again in May, and woke up after being out for 36 hours.. The doctors are amazed that he is living, but he will be living with renal failure and liver damage. He is permantly damaged, when if only his primary physician would have known of the potential deadly side effect and realized after the first attempt that he should discontinue the medicine, then maybe my husband would not be in the shape he is in now, which is very sad.
MarkJune 9, 2010 at 10:42 pm
I have been taking Topamax at up to 200mg a day for a very long time as well as 600mg of lyrica to help me control my siezures. I have been through a living nightmare of life and have done well so far but I am at my ropes end. I do as much reserch as I can online because that is about al I can do anymore and my memory and consentration is shot. My 30 year career was shut down by Uncle Sam but aft[Show More]I have been taking Topamax at up to 200mg a day for a very long time as well as 600mg of lyrica to help me control my siezures. I have been through a living nightmare of life and have done well so far but I am at my ropes end. I do as much reserch as I can online because that is about al I can do anymore and my memory and consentration is shot. My 30 year career was shut down by Uncle Sam but after 2 years he still thinks I should be able to go find another job. A very scared shipwrecked sailor.
angelJune 5, 2010 at 8:11 pm
My 28 year old sister hung herself and then died at the hospital 6 days ago. A nurse at the hospital told us she was prescibed depakote sometime ago, within the past month or so. I strongly feel that is what caused her to do what she did to herself.
JacqueMay 7, 2010 at 9:20 pm
May I say after reading all of this I am felling very lucky to be alive. I have had seizures scence i was 8months old so I grew up with all these meds. Phenobarbatal, Depokote Topamax Lamictal Zonamid. And reading all of this i am realizing how lucky I was to not only have a loving family that saw me through all my bad times but I also had a dad that was smart enough to move Dr's when my old Dr wa[Show More]May I say after reading all of this I am felling very lucky to be alive. I have had seizures scence i was 8months old so I grew up with all these meds. Phenobarbatal, Depokote Topamax Lamictal Zonamid. And reading all of this i am realizing how lucky I was to not only have a loving family that saw me through all my bad times but I also had a dad that was smart enough to move Dr's when my old Dr was out of ideas. So my advice to everyone out here is when you are noticing you/loved one shift moods and it lasts WEEKS at a time. And it seems like no reason. you need to take a note of it. Maybe even talk about it. That talk could save their life. There are times that I have gotten so angery that I have almost put my own sister through a wall just for the fact that she would not let me watch the tv in peace. I dont know if that was the meds or other things at the time. btw..what does anyone know about lawsuits? where can i find a list of what meds I should be really worried about? I have always kept track of side effects but I have heard alot about lawsuits lately and alot of my meds from the past have been on the lists.
micheleApril 30, 2010 at 2:42 pm
My heart goes out to all of you. My reason for writing is to share how my PM told me to wean myself off of Lyrica, Gabapentin, and Cymbalta. I was on the max dosage of all three for almost 2 years along with a couple of other meds. for RSD/CRPS and fibro.. The only side effects I really had was weight gain and feeling like a zombie. It was the effect of the Cymbalta counteracting the suicidal tho[Show More]My heart goes out to all of you. My reason for writing is to share how my PM told me to wean myself off of Lyrica, Gabapentin, and Cymbalta. I was on the max dosage of all three for almost 2 years along with a couple of other meds. for RSD/CRPS and fibro.. The only side effects I really had was weight gain and feeling like a zombie. It was the effect of the Cymbalta counteracting the suicidal thoughts. I know this because June '09 my PM took me off Cymbalta to put me on Savella which is exclusively for fibro. pain. Within a couple of days I was hallucinating everyday. After 3 days of that I did some research onlone and found that people that had bad reactions to Lyrica and Gabapentin switched to Topamax. So I called my PM that day and requested to be taken off those because of the side effects and that I was worried they would get worse and that I be put on Topamax. I am know taking the max. of Topamax which is 300mg a day with no problems. Partially, because although Savella is for fibro. pain it has the same properties as an anti depressant. Anyway, to wean yourself off, the most important is not to go too fast no matter how badly you want to get off the stuff. Lyrica and Cymblata I went down 25mg every few days. On Gabapentin I went down 50mg every few days. I had no withdrawl symptoms what so ever. I am only telling you what I did, and my results. Please talk to your PM before you decide on your own to stop taking your meds.
KarenApril 14, 2010 at 7:25 pm
I am yet another person who has been treated to the living hell that is Lyrica use and withdrawal. After being on Gabapentin and Tramadol for chronic back pain due to nerve compression at L5S1 for 2 years, my doctor took me off those two meds and switched me to Lyrica. Within a month of beginning to take Lyrica I had developed severe suicidal tendencies and depression. I was already depressed when[Show More]I am yet another person who has been treated to the living hell that is Lyrica use and withdrawal. After being on Gabapentin and Tramadol for chronic back pain due to nerve compression at L5S1 for 2 years, my doctor took me off those two meds and switched me to Lyrica. Within a month of beginning to take Lyrica I had developed severe suicidal tendencies and depression. I was already depressed when I was put on the Lyrica so why in heaven's name they put me on something which could make the depression worse, I don't know. In any case, after conferring with my PA, I was 'weaned' off the drug over a period of 4 days during which time I experienced severe withdrawal symptoms. These included inability to sleep, nausea, shaking, twitching, diarrhea, continued depression, lack of appetite, and the feeling that I was about to crawl out of my skin. I think there is a possiblity that the manufacturer is WAY underestimating/calculating the number of people suffering withdrawal and the number of people who have adverse reactions. I experienced withdrawal symptoms for nearly 3 weeks after going off the med. The more I read about other people's experience with this medication, the more convinced I become of its danger.
CathyApril 11, 2010 at 2:03 am
I was also put on lyrica (for neuropathy) and my legs and feet also swelled up like Fred Flintstones(as Susan stated) It was horrible. I could not get any shoes on and the excrutiating physical pain was intolerable. My mind was affected also as I got to the point that I could not remember anything. I would go somewhere and I could not remember how to get home(where I had lived for 25 years) I wo[Show More]I was also put on lyrica (for neuropathy) and my legs and feet also swelled up like Fred Flintstones(as Susan stated) It was horrible. I could not get any shoes on and the excrutiating physical pain was intolerable. My mind was affected also as I got to the point that I could not remember anything. I would go somewhere and I could not remember how to get home(where I had lived for 25 years) I would start cooking something and forget what I was doing and just leave it on the stove to possibly catch on fire!! I could not be trusted to be left alone and I am a grown woman with children and grandchildren!! I was convinced I had Alzheimers and I did not know what to do!! My doctor then decided that I was depressed because I would start crying at the drop of a hat, so he added some antidepressants to the equation, which made it even worse-if that was possible!! I know the nerve damage I have was made WORSE from this drug, not better. I was fortunate to have enough of my mind still intact and I started hiding my medication(telling my family I was still taking it) until I went back for a follow up with my doctor.At this appointment I passed a memory test with flying colors, after failing it miserably the previous year(and this was before the antidepressants) The nurses just couldn't believe "the difference" in me. They went on and on about how that Lyrica was REALLY working for me!! " I then confessed that I had not taken any Lyrica for about 8 months and that was the ONLY reason I had my mind back, it was the LACK of Lyrica that saved my life!! I truly believe that if I would have continued taking this drug I would not be typing this statement today. I believe in my heart that I would have killed myself. I thought of it often while on this medication and I had never thought any thoughts like that before in my entire life!! Call it devine intervention or whatever you like. I am just thankful that my husband still has a wife, my children a mother, my grandkids a grandma and my mother a daughter. I am still suffering from horrific pain, swelling (especially in my feet) and I am also having trouble with my eyesight(had perfect vision before this) I am sure this is from this drug and I will probably have these problems for the rest of my life. How I will live with all of this, I do not know and the quality of my life has been greatly diminished, but at least I am still alive. I now just hope and pray that no one else has to EVER go thorugh this LIVING HELL like I have had to endure and will have to continue living with for, more than likely, the rest of my life!!!
MaryMarch 5, 2010 at 2:10 pm
My son, Ben, had a seizure on Jan 28, 2008. We took him to the Mayo clinic which is supposed to have one of the best neurology depts in the world. He was diagnosed with temporal lobe epilepsy caused by concussions. They put him on Keppra. He was not depressed - actually extremely happy because he and his fiancee were moving in together, his PHD work was going very well. He committed suicide [Show More]My son, Ben, had a seizure on Jan 28, 2008. We took him to the Mayo clinic which is supposed to have one of the best neurology depts in the world. He was diagnosed with temporal lobe epilepsy caused by concussions. They put him on Keppra. He was not depressed - actually extremely happy because he and his fiancee were moving in together, his PHD work was going very well. He committed suicide on March 12, 2008. These drugs are horrible.
NicoleMarch 1, 2010 at 9:40 pm
My husband has been taking Depakote (5 of the 500mg) a day for epilepsy for 21 years and now he is acting like a person that has bipolar it has gotten to the point when he takes his med. it makes him sick to his stomach and sometimes he throws them back up whole 3 to 4 hours later it is like his body don't digest it .we have two kids at home one is 4 and the other one is 2 i don't need this aroun[Show More]My husband has been taking Depakote (5 of the 500mg) a day for epilepsy for 21 years and now he is acting like a person that has bipolar it has gotten to the point when he takes his med. it makes him sick to his stomach and sometimes he throws them back up whole 3 to 4 hours later it is like his body don't digest it .we have two kids at home one is 4 and the other one is 2 i don't need this around them .so we are trying to do everything possible to change his meds.
KathyJanuary 21, 2010 at 8:46 am
daughter has had grand mal and petit mal seizures since 10-she is now 37-The past years have been horrible with physcians not listening when I told them that the meds were making her depressed etc. Went from one drug to another, phynabar, tregtrol, dilantin, topamax, gabitril. Experienced two drug " OVER DOSES" on tregretrol--or toxic levels of meds- as the physician worded it...and then the phys[Show More]daughter has had grand mal and petit mal seizures since 10-she is now 37-The past years have been horrible with physcians not listening when I told them that the meds were making her depressed etc. Went from one drug to another, phynabar, tregtrol, dilantin, topamax, gabitril. Experienced two drug " OVER DOSES" on tregretrol--or toxic levels of meds- as the physician worded it...and then the physician INCREASED the dosage -- go figure?!- Finially had to switch phy to get someone to listen to us that this med was not " helping her"-Then was given Gabitril- which SEEMED to be okay-- has controlled seizures for the most part. as much as we have been able to tell-- But have had two episodes which we ended up at the hospital, both were foo fooed by physicians. Last one was two years ago, and neurologist said that it must have been that she was having anxiety attacks and actually wasn't having any seizures. Wished they had been able to see her before we were able to get her to the hospital-- really scary!! This episode now looking at some of these posting was classical for the side effects for gabitril. I didn't realize that some of the other issues she had were drug related, sleep issues, anger issues, comprehension- She was diagnosised years ago with developmental issues, so many of these - sleeping, comprehension, memory, etc- I passed off as her handicap, didn't realize it could be connected to meds. NOW all of a sudden with no warning, I have found that when we asked for our med refill for this month, that this drug is NO LONGER AVAILABLE- but the drs and pharmasists all say DON"T suddenly quit taking the med-- SO WHAT ARE WE TO DO?? I can't get enough meds to make a transistion, new neurologists had to get into in time, doesn't sound like other drugs are available and if they are sound extremely scary as well-- WHAT HORRIBLE SITUATION to be placed in. GOOD LUCK to all the rest of you who might be in our same situation.
BrendaJanuary 18, 2010 at 9:42 pm
I was on neurontin for years for Neuropathy in feet and legs. Doctor insisted it was diabetic, and cardiology insisted it was cardio related. I was on 600 mg 3x daily and still had horrid pain, could not function, drive my car, or even think. I would sleep all day, was mean and wanted to die. I would say if I was not a coward or knew I would not get into heaven if I did it, I would end my own mise[Show More]I was on neurontin for years for Neuropathy in feet and legs. Doctor insisted it was diabetic, and cardiology insisted it was cardio related. I was on 600 mg 3x daily and still had horrid pain, could not function, drive my car, or even think. I would sleep all day, was mean and wanted to die. I would say if I was not a coward or knew I would not get into heaven if I did it, I would end my own miserable life. I started taking suppliments that helped a lot but could not afford to buy them on SSI and medicaid did and doesnot pay for it. Well, a catscan that my doctor said would only reveal a bit of ostioarthritis, after 12yrs of pain without anything, we find I have severe spinal stenosis, therefore finally sent to pain management, now the meds for this is detremental to my Coumadin for artificial valves. Imagine that! Doctor is not happy. Pain management put me on 50mg of Lyrica to see if I could go to sleep without feeling this way and wanting to die. Well, it worked and now, Medicaid does not pay for my lyrica, and insisted that I be on 2 meds they suggest for at least 60 days, one being neurontin (the generic), so now I am on generic neurontin and generic Elavil (amitrptyline). In conclusion, our government is now making us take meds that hurt us before, because we have been off it for more than 12 months. I have enlarged liver (lupus), fibromyalgia, no more diabetis (suppliments) and am being forced to take poison before they will pay for my other med.........although I find it is bad, it did work, this does not. Just a bit of info and I could give more, but seems no one is interested. These Law offices have told me each time that I am not eligible. Sorry folks but that is some of my story.
LizzieJanuary 6, 2010 at 3:30 pm
In March of 2008, my neurologist put me on Topamax for migraines. The original dose was 25 mg in the morning and 25 mg at night, increased by 25 mg increments until I was taking 50 mg in the morning and 100 mg at night. During the initial introduction of Topamax, I had severe stomach pain that caused me to miss work for 2 days. After my body got "used" to the Topamax, my personality completely [Show More]In March of 2008, my neurologist put me on Topamax for migraines. The original dose was 25 mg in the morning and 25 mg at night, increased by 25 mg increments until I was taking 50 mg in the morning and 100 mg at night. During the initial introduction of Topamax, I had severe stomach pain that caused me to miss work for 2 days. After my body got "used" to the Topamax, my personality completely changed. I was short-tempered and spoke without thinking -- like the filter in my brain was gone. I lost my words while I was talking and couldn't recover. If I didn't write everything down, I would forget what people told me minutes before. I work in a fast-paced law office and couldn't function up to par. I was paranoid and couldn't sleep at night. As a result, my employer grew impatient with me and I was demoted. I never knew Topamax could cause these problems until I talked to the neurologist in September of 2009. When I mentioned one of the issues, he said "The Topamax has become toxic". He lowered my dosage to 100 mg a day, but it didn't help, and I was still getting the terrible, daily migraines. I weaned myself off this poison and have been recovering my short-term memory, etc quite nicely. Topamax made me nuts for over a year, and no one bothered to advise me of the side effects.
MissyJanuary 4, 2010 at 1:29 am
I have been on Lamictal for almost a year for severe migraines. I am taking 50 mg in the mornings and 100 mg in the evenings. For the last four months I have had severe mood swings. I can wake up one day and be very emotional. Crying at anything and nothing at all or be very witchy for no reason. My husband could just say hi to me and I could cry so hard I would start to gasp for breath. Or I [Show More]I have been on Lamictal for almost a year for severe migraines. I am taking 50 mg in the mornings and 100 mg in the evenings. For the last four months I have had severe mood swings. I can wake up one day and be very emotional. Crying at anything and nothing at all or be very witchy for no reason. My husband could just say hi to me and I could cry so hard I would start to gasp for breath. Or I could rip his head off. I have had no suicide thoughts. My neurologist says the mood swings are related to my periods. I have tracked them since the day they have started and they can be at any time of the month. Sometimes I only have one day like this or two weeks of this. I have seen my gyn dr about this but he agrees with me. It isn't related to my periods or PMS. What should I do? I don't want these mood swings to turn into suicide thoughts. Should I seek another opinion from a different neurologist?
RoxanneDecember 20, 2009 at 9:38 pm
I have been on Lyrica for almost Two years. I was put on it for fibromyalgia. I can't really say if it helps or not, because I'm always in so much pain. But I have tried to stop takeing it, because I have sinsations in my chest that are very uncomfortable and feel the lyrica is the cause. I have brought this to my Doctors attention, and they always run some kind of test , but never come up with an[Show More]I have been on Lyrica for almost Two years. I was put on it for fibromyalgia. I can't really say if it helps or not, because I'm always in so much pain. But I have tried to stop takeing it, because I have sinsations in my chest that are very uncomfortable and feel the lyrica is the cause. I have brought this to my Doctors attention, and they always run some kind of test , but never come up with anything. I don't know what to do . I don't know how to get off of it without going through withdrawl symptoms.
CamelleDecember 12, 2009 at 9:30 pm
my 15 year old daughter was put on Topamax by her pediatrician for aggresive behaviors. Within a very short time she started having hallucinations. She didnt know what was real and what was not. They were all in sexual or death form. She would cry and was afraid the devil was putting these thoughts in her head. We had to put her in the mental health unit for 11 days. When she came home she w[Show More]my 15 year old daughter was put on Topamax by her pediatrician for aggresive behaviors. Within a very short time she started having hallucinations. She didnt know what was real and what was not. They were all in sexual or death form. She would cry and was afraid the devil was putting these thoughts in her head. We had to put her in the mental health unit for 11 days. When she came home she was still on the Topamax so I took her off myself. Over the past month her hallucinations are going away, altho we arent quite there yet, and I dont know if this drug has caused permanent damage to her brain. Before she was a fearless child. Now she is afraid of everything. WE are thinking about bringing a lawsuit against the drug manufactures for putting out drugs that are so harmful to people. Its time the government starts working for the people and not for the money. My daughter is currently on Zoloft and is doing much better on that. Now if we could just get rid of all the delusions the Topamax caused.
IzzyDecember 10, 2009 at 6:13 pm
I committed suicide on Sept. 11 of 2007 after taking a regimen of Trileptal for seizures. I was technically dead for a little over a minute. I had been on this medication at 300mg day with good response until my then neurologist insisted on increasing my dosage to TWICE was it was only because he was "following manufacturer's guidelines." Mind you, during the year that I was taking the medication [Show More]I committed suicide on Sept. 11 of 2007 after taking a regimen of Trileptal for seizures. I was technically dead for a little over a minute. I had been on this medication at 300mg day with good response until my then neurologist insisted on increasing my dosage to TWICE was it was only because he was "following manufacturer's guidelines." Mind you, during the year that I was taking the medication this "physician" never once sent me to get a liver enzyme test done, which should be the norm as all of the anti-convulsants do liver damage. Note that Oxcarbazapine's origin was NOT for seizures, but for bi-polar disorder, until providers of the prescription realized IT WAS MAKING DEPRESSION IN THOSE PATIENTS WORSE. Why then, would the FDA allow this same company to push this "medication" for another, unitended usage? Am now medication free, as the Trileptal increased both the frequency AND intensity of my seizures...and I FIRED my neurologist. We need to keep our physicians aware of the fact that THEY WORK FOR US IN A SERVICE ORIENTED INDUSTRY. Please, do not play with your health. If your physician is not willing to listen FIND ANTOTHER DOCTOR.
PageDecember 9, 2009 at 8:18 pm
I take lamictal daily and have noticed a tremendous drop in my ability to function. I have, on many occassions since starting on Lamictial considerer suicide, but will not go through with this thought.
AlexNovember 19, 2009 at 5:16 pm
All of these drugs are horrible. They take what was an untouched innocent mind and distort it, just because there is a 'problem' that doesn't fit the mold of society. A lot of these comments on here speak of doing research of a drug, reading warnings, making a good decision. That's all good and fine if you're picking a medication not related to the brain. Medicating the brain is like playing russ[Show More]All of these drugs are horrible. They take what was an untouched innocent mind and distort it, just because there is a 'problem' that doesn't fit the mold of society. A lot of these comments on here speak of doing research of a drug, reading warnings, making a good decision. That's all good and fine if you're picking a medication not related to the brain. Medicating the brain is like playing russian roulette, you never know what you're going to get, and it just might blow your head off. I know this from personal experience, been on Depakote, Keppra, Lamictal, and am currently on Zonegran. This is all because of epilepsy that started in 2004, so since then I've been able to try a variety of meds, those four just happen to be on this list. I've thought about or have came close to killing myself on all four. I agree, they all made me feel suicidal. Depakote being the worse. Lamictal was the craziest, it made me see people and I could talk to them. Zonegran is just like static in your head all the time. Keppra is horrible, never never never allow someone to take that awful crap. New meds need to be made, these ones are horrible and do horrible injustices to the people that take them. Isn't there a drug company that realizes that selling good products increases profits instead of selling products that kill people, ruining their consumer base?
susanNovember 17, 2009 at 8:08 pm
My doctor put me on lyrica to help with pain after I fell at work.I was never suicidal until I was on this drug.My legs and feet swelled up like fred flinstone,and the pain became intolerable.I was fortunate enough to know that it was this drug because all other pain pills had never caused this problem prior to lyrica.I have stopped this drug for about two years and I still have the swelling in my[Show More]My doctor put me on lyrica to help with pain after I fell at work.I was never suicidal until I was on this drug.My legs and feet swelled up like fred flinstone,and the pain became intolerable.I was fortunate enough to know that it was this drug because all other pain pills had never caused this problem prior to lyrica.I have stopped this drug for about two years and I still have the swelling in my legs and other bad effects due to this drug.If I was to go before congress or the senate,I would fight to have this drug taken off the market.
LauraNovember 6, 2009 at 2:00 am
My friends husband killed himself recently after being put on Keppra for new onset of seizures. He was only on this drug for a couple of months!
MargaretOctober 26, 2009 at 4:05 am
If ANY of you want an attorney PLEASE go to www.google.com and search the name of your med(s) and the word lawsuit or/and attorney. You WILL find a lawyer willing to help. Meantime PLEASE PLEASE don't commit suicide, please call a suicide hotline if you find yourself getting close to the edge. My husband was prescribed Depakote after his brain surgery. I researched it and rejected it to his med[Show More]If ANY of you want an attorney PLEASE go to www.google.com and search the name of your med(s) and the word lawsuit or/and attorney. You WILL find a lawyer willing to help. Meantime PLEASE PLEASE don't commit suicide, please call a suicide hotline if you find yourself getting close to the edge. My husband was prescribed Depakote after his brain surgery. I researched it and rejected it to his med team quite firmly. He's doing fine, some depression and some memory loss, totally normal following brain surgery, but not suicidal.
DonnaOctober 22, 2009 at 9:04 pm
Seems like many of these meds exacerbate depression. Please investigate any medications you are taking or that are recommended by your healthcare provider. Ask questions!!! The FDA should be doing more to protect the public, warnings should be more widespread and doctors should not be prescribing off-label for other conditions. People are being hurt by medication side-effects and hurting themse[Show More]Seems like many of these meds exacerbate depression. Please investigate any medications you are taking or that are recommended by your healthcare provider. Ask questions!!! The FDA should be doing more to protect the public, warnings should be more widespread and doctors should not be prescribing off-label for other conditions. People are being hurt by medication side-effects and hurting themselves and are not being given proper information about these meds. How many people must die before something is done? Meanwhile, the drug companies laugh all the way to the bank.
NikkiOctober 6, 2009 at 1:15 pm
I have taken Lyrica for almost 3 years as of May I had nerve pain which long story short they treated my back and after 3 years found out it was a tumor growing on my tibial nerve that they removed but continuous suicidal thoughts and attempt to end my life in March,2009 as a result of taking Lyrica the pain specialist had me on lyrica 50 mg 3 a day and lyrica 75 mg 3 a day If it wasn't for my roo[Show More]I have taken Lyrica for almost 3 years as of May I had nerve pain which long story short they treated my back and after 3 years found out it was a tumor growing on my tibial nerve that they removed but continuous suicidal thoughts and attempt to end my life in March,2009 as a result of taking Lyrica the pain specialist had me on lyrica 50 mg 3 a day and lyrica 75 mg 3 a day If it wasn't for my roommate I would have died. My aunt noticed a commercial here in chicago about lawsuits with Lyrica and after she heard my case has been trying to get the # down to call but no longer see's the commercial does anyone have a # to an attorney please????
JamesSeptember 23, 2009 at 1:57 pm
I have had severe mood swings while taking this medication.I was locked up for 3 days under suicide watch.I was originally given Lyrica for neck surgery,then a year later given Lyrica for back surgery.I was told take it when you are hurting I was never told about with drawl upon discontinuing taking.I also have eye problems now I never had before
melodySeptember 18, 2009 at 7:42 pm
I have been on Lyrica for about 8months to a year, just put on topamax and have been taking Neurontin on and off for about a year for extreme pain due to M.V.P accident. I stopped all of them at the same time and am having great withdrawls. I can hardly stand myself. I am so sick feel funny weird hot and cold flu like scarey for me but I don't want to die and the Meds scare me more. I am now wond[Show More]I have been on Lyrica for about 8months to a year, just put on topamax and have been taking Neurontin on and off for about a year for extreme pain due to M.V.P accident. I stopped all of them at the same time and am having great withdrawls. I can hardly stand myself. I am so sick feel funny weird hot and cold flu like scarey for me but I don't want to die and the Meds scare me more. I am now wondering if my Dr. is compitent to treat me or anyone else. I am feeling pissed off that someone could be put on such high doses and they all cause you to feel like death is better then being in pain eveyday. Minnesota I am wondering what I should do about all of this any advice?????
MelissaAugust 23, 2009 at 7:49 pm
My mother was on Depakote for 5 years and then she went to a new doctor and he changed the Depakote that was working very well I might add to Keppra. She is now in the hospital and because of the suicidal thoughts and deppresion that she has had. They have started her back on Depakote and she if fine.
samanthaAugust 15, 2009 at 5:34 am
If you were suicidal and they put you on medication that has a side affect known by the fda that causes suicidal thoughts of course you didnt get any better you wanted to die we are talking about people that never felt this way until taking the drug your problem cant be projected onto other, she said" with no warning, he was not suicidal or gave no indication he was.' meaning he was never that [Show More]If you were suicidal and they put you on medication that has a side affect known by the fda that causes suicidal thoughts of course you didnt get any better you wanted to die we are talking about people that never felt this way until taking the drug your problem cant be projected onto other, she said" with no warning, he was not suicidal or gave no indication he was.' meaning he was never that way until he started taking the medication. What about patients that are only having seizures what about them they come in for seizures and leave with suicidal thoughts ...explain that
DixieAugust 13, 2009 at 7:36 pm
You have my deepest sympathies! Suicide happens when the person is in such a terrible dark depression that s/he isn't even thinking---it's like an animal dying of thirst, rushing toward a lake. You just want the pain to end. I have been on Depakote for 15 years. I was suicidal before taking Depakote. I did not get more or less suicidal from Depakote. I got on Seroquel & the suicidal thoughts[Show More]You have my deepest sympathies! Suicide happens when the person is in such a terrible dark depression that s/he isn't even thinking---it's like an animal dying of thirst, rushing toward a lake. You just want the pain to end. I have been on Depakote for 15 years. I was suicidal before taking Depakote. I did not get more or less suicidal from Depakote. I got on Seroquel & the suicidal thoughts stopped after I'd been on it faithfully for 4 weeks. Everyone is different. But ALL psychotropic meds take AT LEAST 4 weeks to have any real effect on a person. The meds build up in the brain, blood system & fatty tissue & then begin sending out the right chemistry. So NO WAY did Depakote cause anyone to commit suicide. Your son was, sadly, already so down that he was ready for this tragic step.
KathleenAugust 11, 2009 at 4:59 pm
Our son was prescribed Depakote about 3-4 weeks ago and just commited suicide last night, with no warning, he was not suicidal or gave no indication he was.
KAJuly 18, 2009 at 11:32 pm
I too am concerned about some of these drugs. As a consumer, and now as a provider, I think they should be a last resort drug. I still take topamax 75 mgs a day, but had been on as much as 200 until I could no longer tell what was real from what was not. I have also coupled my topamax with lamictal until the headaches and other side effects were too severe to bare- I then coupled gabitril with[Show More]I too am concerned about some of these drugs. As a consumer, and now as a provider, I think they should be a last resort drug. I still take topamax 75 mgs a day, but had been on as much as 200 until I could no longer tell what was real from what was not. I have also coupled my topamax with lamictal until the headaches and other side effects were too severe to bare- I then coupled gabitril with the topamax and my life further went downhill. I was completely suicidal for years, it was a driving force... so painful. Akathesia with the gabitril made me feel like I was trying to rip myself apart only to keep running and begged to be held down. I could not see properly, I became mute outside of the muttering I had to do to channel the voices in my head that would not stop... Then with the gabitrl came the twitches in my eye, my arms and legs jerking like I had epilepsy. Still I had the fire like headaches, and only wanted to remove my head from my body. That was it, self-esteem gone- I could no longer see in color and I could not see myself reflected back when I looked in the mirror. Family ran, nobody to talk me through the agony... Finally I ended the meds cold turkey... all but the 75 mgs of the topamax and a benzo In a last ditch effort to save myself... Psychosis set in for a few months... but I made it... I took me a year to recover from two years of intense mental illness. now I take the 75mgs, a tricyclic, and a small amount of a benzo. I have fears that anything can set me back again, but stay away from large doses or any new sort of designer meds I will. I work in a field now assisting those in mental health crisis and when I see their long lists of meds I want to pick of the phone and call the AMA or the FDA and say "take a look at this nightmare" the meds are costing people their lives and only making their mental health issues worse... or creating new symptoms.
KathleenJuly 8, 2009 at 4:14 pm
Someone very dear to me committed suicide last year. He had been taking 1600 mg of Topamax/day as a mood stabilizer for being bipolar. There are two others I know who were also taking this dose for the same condition. A few months ago, both people had a strong intuition to no longer take Topamax, though they didn't discuss it with one another. One went for a second opinion -- the specialist wa[Show More]Someone very dear to me committed suicide last year. He had been taking 1600 mg of Topamax/day as a mood stabilizer for being bipolar. There are two others I know who were also taking this dose for the same condition. A few months ago, both people had a strong intuition to no longer take Topamax, though they didn't discuss it with one another. One went for a second opinion -- the specialist was horrified at the dose and agreed that another solution should be pursued. Both patients stopped taking Topamax, and eventually all medications, and now feel better than they have in years. The prescribing doctor was allegedly in contact with the manufacturer regarding high dose useage. I wrote to the manufacturer to ask about this, and received no reply. I would like, however, to warn others that this dose should be questioned if prescribed. I am highly suspect of the role Topamax had in the suicide mentioned above, as the person was driven by anxiety, and this drug can increase and/or cause anxiety.
HollyJune 19, 2009 at 10:33 pm
My 20 year old son hanged himself a few months ago after having been prescribed Dilantin. I am an RN and pleaded with the ER doc NOT to prescribe it to him because he was depressed. No one gives a shit that paramedics took 40 minutes to arrive-from 2.1 miles away, then refused to do anything based on the ASSUMPTION that his neck was broken. It wasn't, according to the medical examiner..........so [Show More]My 20 year old son hanged himself a few months ago after having been prescribed Dilantin. I am an RN and pleaded with the ER doc NOT to prescribe it to him because he was depressed. No one gives a shit that paramedics took 40 minutes to arrive-from 2.1 miles away, then refused to do anything based on the ASSUMPTION that his neck was broken. It wasn't, according to the medical examiner..........so they just let him die, in my home.......because they "ASSUMED". Then, if that weren't enough, the paramedics "log" of events showed timely arrival and 44 minutes of care, including defibrillation. I was there, along with 2 neighbors.....they are flat out lying. And, whats worse...I cut him down, he had a pulse. I could've saved him had I lot been freaking out.
bemcmillenJune 10, 2009 at 2:47 pm
My husband committed suicide after being on depakote for 2 weeks.
KrisFebruary 27, 2009 at 5:39 am
Rebecca, PLEASE talk to your doctor about your suicidal thoughts. My brother-in-law didn't speak to anyone, and now he is gone. If your doctor won't listen to you, then find a better doctor. Please. Do it for the people who love you.
KrisFebruary 18, 2009 at 5:07 am
My brother-in-law committed suicide in mid January of 2009 by ingesting a fatal amount of Lyrica, which he'd been prescribed for neuropathy. I'm extremely concerned about the safety of this medication and am worried that it caused his death.
RebeccaFebruary 16, 2009 at 6:13 am
I have been taking Trileptal constantly (450 mg a day) to treat Bipolar I since 2003. It worked very well for the first four years or so, but around January of 2007 I started having uncontrollable panic attacks and anxiety. This worsened over time, and although I lowered my dosage to 300 mg a day, now I have suicidal thoughts all the time. I have been very depressed, and although normally [Show More]I have been taking Trileptal constantly (450 mg a day) to treat Bipolar I since 2003. It worked very well for the first four years or so, but around January of 2007 I started having uncontrollable panic attacks and anxiety. This worsened over time, and although I lowered my dosage to 300 mg a day, now I have suicidal thoughts all the time. I have been very depressed, and although normally I am a social creature I do not leave my house. When I eat, I become very ill most of the time. Every time I inquire about ceasing the Trileptal usage my psychiatrists tell me this is just a "natural" desire for Bipolars to think they no longer need medicine and talk me out of stopping the drugs. I stay with my parents sometimes because I'm scared of what I am like sometimes.