Prescription drugs have the potential to cause a range of side effects, including some that can be severe and even life-threatening. Among these dangers is the risk of suicide, which has been linked to certain medications.

Understanding which drugs are associated with suicide risk can help patients and providers make informed decisions about treatment.

Antidepressants

Antidepressants are commonly prescribed to treat depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders.

While these drugs can be effective in relieving symptoms, they have also been associated with an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, particularly in children, adolescents, and young adults. This risk appears to be highest in the first few weeks of treatment and may decrease over time. Providers should closely monitor patients taking antidepressants for signs of worsening depression or suicidal ideation.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs that are often used to treat anxiety and insomnia. While these medications can be effective in relieving symptoms, they can also be habit-forming and carry a risk of overdose.

In some cases, benzodiazepines have been linked to an increased risk of suicidal ideation and behavior, particularly in patients with a history of depression or substance abuse. Providers should use caution when prescribing benzodiazepines and closely monitor patients for signs of suicidal ideation or behavior.

Stimulants

Stimulant medications, such as those used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), have been associated with an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, particularly in children and adolescents.

This risk appears to be highest in patients with a history of depression or other mood disorders. Providers should carefully evaluate patients for any history of mental health issues before prescribing stimulants and closely monitor patients for signs of worsening depression or suicidal ideation.

Antipsychotics

Antipsychotic medications are commonly used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other psychotic disorders.

While these drugs can be effective in controlling symptoms, they can also carry a risk of serious side effects, including an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. This risk appears to be highest in the first few weeks of treatment and may decrease over time. Providers should closely monitor patients taking antipsychotics for signs of worsening depression or suicidal ideation.

Opioids

Opioid medications are commonly used to treat pain, but they can also carry a risk of addiction, overdose, and other serious side effects.

Some studies have suggested that opioid use may also be associated with an increased risk of suicide, particularly in patients with a history of depression or substance abuse. Providers should carefully evaluate patients for any history of mental health issues before prescribing opioids and closely monitor patients for signs of worsening depression or suicidal ideation.

Anticonvulsants

Anticonvulsant medications, such as those used to treat epilepsy and bipolar disorder, have been associated with an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

This risk appears to be highest in the first few weeks of treatment and may decrease over time. Providers should carefully evaluate patients for any history of mental health issues before prescribing anticonvulsants and closely monitor patients for signs of worsening depression or suicidal ideation.

Mood Stabilizers

Mood stabilizing drugs, such as lithium, have been used to treat bipolar disorder and other mood disorders.

While these drugs can be effective in controlling symptoms, they can also carry a risk of serious side effects, including an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Providers should closely monitor patients taking mood stabilizers for signs of worsening depression or suicidal ideation.

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids are a class of drugs commonly used to treat inflammatory conditions, such as asthma, arthritis, and allergies.

While these medications can be effective in relieving symptoms, they can also carry a risk of serious side effects, including an increased risk of suicidal ideation and behavior. This risk appears to be highest in patients with a history of depression or other mood disorders. Providers should carefully evaluate patients for any history of mental health issues before prescribing corticosteroids.

Isotretinoin

Isotretinoin is a medication used to treat severe acne. While the drug can be effective in controlling acne, it has also been associated with an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in some patients.

This risk appears to be highest in individuals with a history of depression or other mood disorders. Patients taking isotretinoin should be closely monitored for signs of worsening depression or suicidal ideation.

Conclusion

Prescription drugs can be powerful tools for treating a range of medical conditions, but they can also carry serious risks. Suicide risk is one potential side effect that patients and providers should be aware of when considering medication options.

By carefully evaluating patient history, monitoring for side effects, and discussing potential risks with patients, providers can help prevent suicide and ensure that patients receive safe and effective care.