Prescribed Drugs and Interpersonal Violence: A Case–Non-Case Study in the Spanish Pharmacovigilance Database

Avedillo-Salas, Ana (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Fanlo-Villacampa, Ana (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Lanuza-Giménez, Francisco Javier (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Vicente-Romero, Jorge (Universidad de Zaragoza)

Resumen: Background/Objectives: Interpersonal violence is an increasing public health concern, and its prediction and prevention remain global challenges. This study aimed to identify prescribed medications associated with interpersonal violence in Spain. Methods: A descriptive, longitudinal and retrospective study and case-non case study of spontaneous reports of adverse drug reactions corresponding to interpersonal violence recorded in the Spanish Pharmacovigilance Database (FEDRA®) from 1984 to 31 March 2021. Results: 533 cases were reported in the study period. The mean age was 46.70 years with ages ranging from 1 to 99 years. There were no sex differences except in child and adolescent age group where most reports were from male. Main therapeutic groups involved were nervous system (62.3%), anti-infectives for systemic use (10%) and respiratory system (8.6%). Mostly drugs reported were montelukast, levetiracetam, bupropion, donepezil, perampanel, quetiapine, fluoxetine, and lorazepam. A statistically significant association/disproportion in the notification has been found in the reporting of interpersonal violence and different drugs according to the literature, notably atomoxetine, perampanel, memantine, donepezil, montelukast and methylphenidate. Conclusions: The results highlight that interpersonal violence, while rare, could occur as a clinically relevant adverse reaction to a small subset of medications. They underscore the importance of careful prescribing, especially in vulnerable populations and in individuals with a history of psychiatric disorders.

Idioma: Inglés

DOI: 10.3390/ph18121845

Año: 2025

Publicado en: Pharmaceuticals 18, 12 (2025), 1845 [19 pp.]
ISSN: 1424-8247

Tipo y forma: Article (Published version)

Área (Departamento): Área Farmacología (Dpto. Farmac.Fisiol.y Med.L.F.)