Activation of suicidal ideation with adjunctive rufinamide in bipolar disorder

Antiepileptic drugs are effective psychotropics, especially for bipolar disorder, which leads to their use off-label in treatment-refractory cases. A recent publication suggests that rufinamide may be beneficial adjunctively for bipolar disorder with comorbid psychopathology. This report addresses two negative cases with significant psychiatric adverse effects: increased depression, agitation, and activation of suicidal ideation. These findings suggest that adjunctive rufinamide may lead to increased suicidal ideation in patients with treatment-refractory bipolar disorder. Secondary to the course of severe bipolar disorder, rufinamide cannot be specifically implicated; however, clinicians should be aware of this potential significant adverse effect and monitor high-risk patients. Further studies are required to address rufinamide treatment efficacy and severity of adverse effects in patients with bipolar disorder.