Warning of suicide risk side effect over common NHS antibiotic after doctor's death

A warning has been made over the possible side effects of a common NHS antibiotic by a coroner after a newly retired senior doctor died by suicide.

"Respected and experienced" consultant cardiologist Robert Stevenson had no history of depression or mental health problems before he started a course of ciprofloxacin.

But just over a week later, the 63-year-old went for a walk and messaged his wife to tell her he had left a note under his pillow.

He was later found dead in a nearby wood.

The note he had left was said to be "uncharacteristically confused and illogical" with "baseless concerns" that he might have AIDS after taking an online HIV tester kit, an inquest heard.

The hearing was told Dr Stevenson hadn't been told about a "potential rare link" to suicidal behaviour in patients who took the drug, as this wasn't in line with medical guidance.

Now, coroner Martin Fleming issued a warning to highlight the risk of taking the antibiotic, which is prescribed by the health service for serious conditions.

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Source: The Mirror, 20 June 2023