Some epilepsy drugs may increase the risk of suicide, a new study finds. These drugs are called anticonvulsants. They help to prevent seizures. Some people also take them for bipolar disorder, mania, migraine and other conditions. The study looked at data on nearly 300,000 prescriptions for these drugs. In a 5 ½-year period, 26 people committed suicide. Another 801 attempted it and 41 died by violence. Suicide risk was higher for those who took certain drugs. They were gabapentin (Neurontin), lamotrigine (Lamictal), oxcarbazepine (Trileptal), tiagabine (Gabitril) and valproate (Depacon). There was also a higher risk of suicide attempts. The risk with another anticonvulsant, topiramate (Topamax), was lower. U.S. labels for anticonvulsant drugs already carry a warning about suicide risk. The study appeared in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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Adults who experience the death of a sibling often find that their loss is minimized by others, which may cause them to suppress their grief. Survivors should seek out a grief partner for emotional support.
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When people being treated for depression do not achieve remission after trying multiple medications, clinicians should consider the possibility that those patients may be suffering from psychosis.
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Is it true that some antidepressants might cause cataracts?
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What is reminiscence therapy?
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Dental phobia can be treated successfully with several different strategies, and using them in combination often results in a better outcome.
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In addition to the stress of caring for a relative or friend with a brain illness, caregivers are at greater risk of developing anxiety, depression, a chronic illness, or of premature death. Information, support, and respite care can ease the burden.
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Schools seeking to prevent or reduce violence are using screening tools to identify students who may be suffering from depression. The goal is to create an environment where students feel they are connected to the school community.
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A study found that a program of mindfulness therapy was about as effective as a maintenance dosage of medication at preventing a relapse of depression.
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