Woman, 31, dies after allegedly changing epilepsy medication following ChatGPT advice

A 31-year-old software engineer, Bowen Wan, has died after allegedly reducing her epilepsy medication following conversations with ChatGPT, according to a wrongful-death lawsuit filed by her family against OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman

The lawsuit claims ChatGPT initially advised Wan to consult a doctor but later encouraged her to reduce her medication from 400mg to zero within weeks.

Wan reportedly experienced confusion and memory problems during the process, raising concerns about her condition numerous times. Her epilepsy specialist said he would never recommend stopping medication that was effectively controlling her seizures.

She was later found dead in her Seattle apartment. Her reported cause of death was sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP).

Her family’s lawyers accuse ChatGPT of providing medical guidance without a licence and undermining professional medical advice.

OpenAI described the case as heartbreaking, stressing that ChatGPT is not a substitute for professional medical care.