Peer-reviewed article

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

Avedillo-Salas A, Fanlo-Villacampa A, Lanuza-Giménez FJ, Vicente-Romero J · 3 Dec 2025

Abstract

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.