Posted by Zeke on January 3, 2000, at 6:39:27
In reply to Re: Dilantin for ADD or depression, posted by saint james on January 2, 2000, at 20:52:36
Back in the 60s Dilantin was thought to be helpful in some children with Minimal Brain Dysfunction -- the old name for ADD. However, ADD does not present the gross brain dysfunction as had been theorized and the focus changed to attention, the name was changed to attention deficit disorder and the use of anticonvulsants for ADD was basically abandoned. Unless you have epilepsy or some other diffuse CNS dysfunction, Dilantin probably won't help much. The same goes for depression. And I agree with James, that if an anti seizure meds would help, one of the newer ones would have less side effects and probably be more effective too.
Take a look over at (Dr. Bob's Psychopharmacology) Tips for more info on antiseizure meds for depression. (The link is at the top of the page.)
Did you think of Dilantin or did a physician suggest it?
FYI Dilantin is a modified form of Phenobarbital, a barbiturate, and barbiturates can actually make ADD worse.
If you have a seizure disorder and ADD, go with an amphetamine (Dexedrine or Adderall) as they have anticonvulsant properties. (See documentation by Dr. Stanley Livingston at Johns Hopkins.) Ritalin on the other hand has a mild proseizure effect. Most physicians aren't aware of these properties though.
Re depression and epilepsy, this is tricky. Sometimes antiseizure meds can relieve depression in epileptics. Sometimes meds need to be lowered to allow some seizures to improve mood. (see the writings of Dr. Dietrich Blumer in re depression and epilepsy.) Note that electroconvulsive therapy -- the artificial induction of seizures -- is used relieve depression. This goes along with thre idea of lowering meds and allowing seizures to relieve interictal depression.
poster:Zeke
thread:17857
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000101/msgs/17886.html