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Suicide warning on US epilepsy drugs

Patients on antiepileptics need to be monitored for indications of mood changes say the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Antiepileptic drug packaging now displays warning labels of heightened suicide risk for users.

The FDA, stops short of issuing its strongest black box warning on this class of drugs, which includes widely used medications such as clonazepam (Klonopin), phenytoin (Dilantin) and topiramate (Topamax).

The warning includes a heightened risk to users of suicidal thoughts and behaviors (suicidality)," the agency announcement said.

The FDA is also requiring that manufacturers draw up Medication handouts that outline the risks and can be given to patients and their families when the medications in question are prescribed.

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