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

<b>Background/Objectives:</b> 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. <b>Methods</b>: 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<sup>®</sup>) from 1984 to 31 March 2021. <b>Results</b>: 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. <b>Conclusions</b>: 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.

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Publication Details

Journal
Pharmaceuticals
Published
2025-12-03
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18121845
Primary Topic
Pharmacovigilance and Adverse Drug Reactions
Type
article
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article

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

Ana Julia Fanlo Villacampa, Jorge Vicente Romero, Ana Avedillo-Salas, Francisco Javier Lanuza-Giménez
Pharmaceuticals
Pharmacovigilance and Adverse Drug Reactions
article

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

Ana Julia Fanlo Villacampa, Jorge Vicente Romero, Ana Avedillo-Salas, Francisco Javier Lanuza-Giménez
article en

Abstract

<b>Background/Objectives:</b> 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. <b>Methods</b>: 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<sup>®</sup>) from 1984 to 31 March 2021. <b>Results</b>: 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. <b>Conclusions</b>: 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.

PharmaceuticalsVol. 18(12)
Universidad de Zaragoza (ES)
Openalex Percentile: Top 62%
Pharmacovigilance and Adverse Drug Reactions
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