Drug-associated suicidality (e.g., suicidal ideation and behavior) has been the focus of much research and attention in recent years, particularly since two major classes of CNS medications - antidepressants and anticonvulsants - have been found to be associated with an increased risk of suicidality in safety analyses conducted by the FDA. In addition, a number of other drugs such as isotretinoin, interferon preparations, tramadol (Ultram), atomoxetine (Strattera), and smoking cessation medications (varenicline, bupropion) have also been associated with depression and/or suicidality in recent years.
The primary purpose of the ASHP Resource Center on Medications and Suicidality is to provide vital information concerning medications that are associated with an increased risk of suicidality. An essential component of the Center is the ASHP Listing of Drugs associated with an Increased Risk of Suicidality, which serves to quickly and easily identify those medications that have been associated with an increased suicidality risk. This list also serves as a reference list for the Sentinel Event Alert on Suicide that has been issued by The Joint Commission.
For clinicians interested in more in-depth information, the related chapter from the second edition of Drug-Induced Diseases: Prevention, Detection, and Management provides a wealth of detailed and well referenced and clinically useful information on possible causative agents, epidemiology, mechanisms, clinical presentation and diagnosis, risk factors, prevention, and management of drug-induced depression.
In addition, clinicians can consult AHFS Drug Information for comprehensive and evidence-based information on suicidality as well as other psychiatric adverse effects associated with medications.
The Resource Center also provides links to a variety of other useful resources concerning drug-associated suicidality for pharmacists, other healthcare professionals, and patients.
