Psychiatric events induced by roflumilast: a real-world pharmacovigilance study of the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System database - Report - MDSpire

Psychiatric events induced by roflumilast: a real-world pharmacovigilance study of the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System database

  • By

  • Lifang Wu

  • Yan Chen

  • Yaping Huang

  • Shaojun Jiang

  • Chengjie Ke

  • June 11, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Psychiatric Adverse Events Associated with Roflumilast

Overview

This report analyzes psychiatric adverse events (AEs) linked to roflumilast using FDA Adverse Event Reporting System data. Significant signals for insomnia, suicidal ideation, and other psychiatric AEs were identified, highlighting the need for careful monitoring in clinical practice.

Background

Roflumilast is a phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor approved for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) treatment. While effective in reducing inflammation and exacerbations, post-marketing data on its psychiatric safety remain limited, necessitating further investigation into its adverse effects. Understanding these risks is crucial for healthcare professionals to ensure patient safety during treatment.

Data Highlights

{'table': {'headers': ['Adverse Event', 'Reporting Odds Ratio (ROR)'], 'rows': [{'Adverse Event': 'Insomnia', 'ROR': '3.55'}, {'Adverse Event': 'Suicidal Ideation', 'ROR': '4.32'}, {'Adverse Event': 'Sleep Disorder', 'ROR': '13.47'}, {'Adverse Event': 'Nervousness', 'ROR': '3.30'}, {'Adverse Event': 'Eating Disorder', 'ROR': '5.16'}]}}

Key Findings

  • A total of 414 reports of psychiatric AEs associated with roflumilast were identified.
  • Five psychiatric AEs showed significant positive signals, including insomnia and suicidal ideation.
  • The risk of life-threatening psychiatric AEs and hospitalization was noted.
  • Healthcare professionals should be aware of the potential for psychiatric AEs when prescribing roflumilast.
  • Monitoring for mood changes and other psychiatric symptoms is essential during treatment.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare providers should exercise caution when prescribing roflumilast, particularly in patients with a history of psychiatric disorders. Regular monitoring for psychiatric AEs can help mitigate risks and improve patient outcomes during treatment.

Conclusion

The findings underscore the importance of recognizing and managing psychiatric AEs associated with roflumilast. Enhanced awareness can guide clinical decision-making and patient management strategies.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Frontiers in Medicine, 2026 -- Real world pharmacovigilance study of FDA adverse event reporting system events for Spiriva Respimat
  2. Drug Safety, 2022 -- Characterizing Nightmares Associated with Montelukast: Insights from VigiBase Data
  3. Drugs - Real World Outcomes, 2019 -- Risks Linked to Risperidone Treatment in Children: Insights from a Retrospective Biobank Analysis
  4. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) - Treatment algorithm | BMJ Best Practice US
  5. Effect of roflumilast on exacerbations in patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease uncontrolled by combination therapy (REACT): a multicentre randomised controlled trial - ScienceDirect
  6. Drugs - Real World Outcomes — Analysis of Clozapine's Association with Non-Hematological Malignant Tumors: Insights from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System Database
  7. Real-world disproportionality analysis of roflumilast using the US FDA adverse event reporting system data
  8. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) - Treatment algorithm | BMJ Best Practice US
  9. Effect of roflumilast on exacerbations in patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease uncontrolled by combination therapy (REACT): a multicentre randomised controlled trial - ScienceDirect

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