Posted by utopizen on September 22, 2002, at 16:39:25
In reply to Pushing Doctors into prescribing, Dilantin, Cost, posted by utopizen on September 22, 2002, at 16:18:40
Please note that when reading this, "toxicity" is clearly separated from normal dose ranges. I am only posting this because I know many of you are experimental (myself included) to dosing a bit.
Unlike Neurontin, to those who take it, dosing on this drug should be strictly followed within your doctor's instructions. Even within the dosing range, you may experience adverse side effects at any point, as with any drug.
If you do not find any effectiveness with Dilantin, I would suggest not increasing your dose and going off it with your doctor's assistance. There's other drugs out there if this doesn't work, so don't worry about trying to up the dose.
from biopsychiatry:
Dilantin toxicity and vegetative
depression: a report of two cases
by
Garrison SJ, Henson HK.
Baylor College of Medicine,
Department of Physical Medicine,
Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX.
Arch Phys Med Rehabil 1990 May;71(6):422-3
ABSTRACTDilantin toxicity has been well described and has generally been noted to include signs and symptoms of nystagmus, ataxia, nausea, and vomiting. Dilantin's depressive effects are seldom mentioned. Two patients are presented who, although stable while on the rehabilitation unit, developed vegetative signs of depression soon after discharge. Both were found to have toxic levels of Dilantin. Neither revealed the classic neurologic or gastrointestinal complaints. Although one patient had documented family and social stressors, the other had a stable home life. Both patients recovered remarkably once their Dilantin dosages were adjusted. In such patients who present with change in mood, sleeping, and eating patterns, Dilantin toxicity should be suspected. Serum blood levels should be checked, and dosage adjusted before the addition of antidepressant medication. Possible causes for Dilantin-associated depression are discussed in detail.
poster:utopizen
thread:120708
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020922/msgs/120762.html