Anti-Seizure Drugs & Suicide/Cardiac
Numerous recent reports link the use of anti-seizure mediations such as Depakote (sodium valproate and valproic acid), Neurontin (gabapentin) and Tegretol (Carbamazepine) with suicide and birth defects, including heart defects, brain damage, and mental retardation. According to one study, infants exposed in the womb to Depakote had twice as many birth defects as would have been expected.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also received reports about the increased risk of suicidality (suicidal thinking and behavior) in people treated with these medicines. Because of these reports, the FDA is investigating whether epilepsy drugs increase the risk of suicidal behavior in some patients, especially those who are prescribed the medications for psychiatric illnesses and not seizure prevention. Prescribing medication for unapproved conditions is called "off-label" use, and may create increased risks for patients.
At Pogust Braslow & Millrood, protecting our clients is our primary goal. We recognize that drug companies are under an obligation to warn about the known risks of their products. When they fail to do so, they may be held responsible for the injuries or deaths that are the consequence of their inaction. In addition, doctors may be responsible when they prescribe a medication for an unapproved condition and the patient suffers a serious side effect.
If you or your child has attempted suicide, a loved one has committed suicide, or a child has been born with a birth defect while the patient was taking an anti-seizure medication, you should immediately contact the attorneys at Pogust Braslow & Millrood, where Protecting Consumers Is Our Primary Goal. Just fill out this form, click here to send us an email or call us at (610) 941-4204.
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