A West Yorkshire coroner recently raised alarms by linking the antibiotic ciprofloxacin to suicidal behavior after the death of Dr. Robert Stevenson. That case has pushed regulators and doctors to take another look at how this drug is used. If you or someone close to you is taking ciprofloxacin, this page gives clear, practical steps to stay safe and know when to act.
Ciprofloxacin belongs to a group called fluoroquinolones and treats infections like complicated urinary tract infections and some respiratory infections. Most people take it without problems, but there are known, rare risks to the nervous system and mood. The coroner noted the timing between the prescription and the suicide, and that kind of report can trigger safety reviews by agencies like the MHRA in the UK or other national regulators.
Regulators already collect reports of anxiety, depression, hallucinations, confusion, and even suicidal thoughts after fluoroquinolone use. These reactions are uncommon, but they can be serious when they happen. That’s why a single high-profile case can change how doctors think about prescribing the drug, especially for people with mental health histories.
If you are prescribed ciprofloxacin, monitor how you feel from day one. Watch for sudden mood changes, increased anxiety, panic attacks, nightmares, confusion, or any talk of harming yourself. These symptoms can start during treatment or shortly after stopping the drug. If you notice them, stop the medication if a healthcare provider advises and contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately.
For urgent danger—if someone has active suicidal thoughts or is at immediate risk—call emergency services or a crisis line right away. In the UK you can use NHS urgent services; in the US contact 911 or your local emergency number. Don’t wait for routine appointments.
Before you start ciprofloxacin, tell your prescriber if you have a history of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, seizures, or tendon problems. Ask whether a safer antibiotic is available for your infection—options may include amoxicillin, doxycycline, or other drugs depending on the infection and local guidelines. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and risks based on your health history.
Healthcare professionals should document mental health history, explain possible neuropsychiatric side effects, and give clear advice on what to do if symptoms appear. Patients and clinicians both can report suspected side effects to national monitoring systems—like the MHRA Yellow Card scheme in the UK or FDA MedWatch in the US—to help regulators track patterns and update guidance.
Evo-Pharmacy follows these updates and will share new guidance as regulators respond. If you want help understanding the risks or finding alternatives, check our full article on ciprofloxacin side effects or ask your pharmacist. Staying informed and acting quickly on warning signs is the best way to get effective treatment while protecting your mental health.
In a striking revelation, a West Yorkshire coroner has highlighted a potential lethal side effect of the antibiotic ciprofloxacin, linking it to suicidal behavior. This warning follows the tragic death of Dr. Robert Stevenson, who was prescribed the drug prior to his suicide. The incident has called for a reevaluation of the current medical guidelines surrounding the antibiotic's use.