A possible case of natalizumab-dependent suicide attempt: A brief review about drugs and suicide
Laura Mumoli1, Miriam Ciriaco2, Antonio Gambardella3, Giuseppe Nicodemo Bombardiere4, Paola Valentino3, Caterina Palleria2, Angelo Labate3, Emilio Russo2
1 Department of Science of Health, School of Medicine, University of Catanzaro; Pharmacovigilance's Center Calabria Region, University Hospital Mater Domini; Institute of Neurology, School of Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy 2 Department of Science of Health, School of Medicine, University of Catanzaro; Pharmacovigilance's Center Calabria Region, University Hospital Mater Domini, Italy 3 Institute of Neurology, School of Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy 4 Pharmacovigilance's Center Calabria Region, University Hospital Mater Domini, Italy
Correspondence Address:
Emilio Russo Department of Science of Health, School of Medicine, University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro 88100 Italy
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None  | Check |
DOI: 10.4103/0976-500X.120974
|
β-Interferon therapy is known to be a potential trigger of suicidal behavior, but this effect has not been previously reported for other multiple sclerosis (MS) treatments, such as, natalizumab. Here we report the case history of a 32-year-old woman affected by relapsing-remitting MS, who attempted suicide during natalizumab treatment. This case suggests that a suicidal ideation might be a rare side effect of natalizumab. Nevertheless, this case represents the first evidence of the new adverse drug reaction related to natalizumab treatment. We should alert clinicians to be aware of the possibility of paradoxical activation of suicidality during its therapeutic use. The main purpose of the present article is to use this case to review the possible relationship between suicidal behavior and drugs. |