Tamiflu is an antiviral drug that is used to relieve the symptoms of influenza and reduce the risk of serious complications. The use of drugs such as Tamiflu is increasing, partly due to increasing resistance to older drugs and partly because of inadequate supply of effective flu vaccine. Serious neuropsychiatric side effects have been reported in some individuals taking Tamiflu.
Mental Effects of Tamiflu
A 2007 study published in the British Medical Journal reported a rate of 20 to 40 neuropsychiatric side effects per 1,000 adults treated with Tamiflu. Examples of side effects reported include abnormal behavior, confusion, seizures, delirium, hallucinations and loss of consciousness. While these side effects were uncommon, they were usually serious.
Behavior-related Deaths
Since 2001, at least 80 cases of sudden death have been described in patients taking Tamiflu. Twenty-one deaths were due to accidents resulting from abnormal behavior such as walking in front of a train, or suicides in individuals with no previous history of suicidal thoughts. While serious neuropsychiatric adverse events have been described in patients taking Tamiflu, it is not clear whether they are caused by Tamiflu or by the influenza virus.
NIH Advisory
Currently, the National Institutes of Health advises all flu patients to contact their physicians if they experience symptoms of mental confusion, abnormal behavior, or thoughts of self-harm, regardless of whether they have taken Tamiflu. Patients with flu are also encouraged to notify family and friends of this potentially serious complication, in the event that they become unable to seek help on their own.
References
- Jefferson T, Jones M, Doshi P, Del Mar C. Possible harms of oseltamivir---a call for urgent action. Lancet. 2009; 374 (9698):1312-1313.
- Hama R. Oseltamivir's adverse reactions: fifty sudden deaths may be related to central suppression. British Medical Journal. 2007; 335(7610): 59.
- NIH/National Library of Medicine Medline Plus Tamiflu Patient Information
Member Comments