![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 6 to 30 of 30. Go back in thread:
Posted by xanthophill on February 25, 2004, at 12:14:58
In reply to Re: HELP! MY SON IS USING PHENYTOIN FOR OTHER PUPOSES, posted by utopizen on February 24, 2004, at 11:10:18
why wouldnt be teenagers tempted to use this abomination? :
The Russian gerontologist Vladimir Dilman believes that major diseases result from developmental inadequacies rather than ocurring in some unknown, random fashion. According to Dilman, degenerative diseases occur when the neuroendocrine system fails to re-right itself following "normal" aging changes. Dr. Dilnan believes it is impossible to counter these diseases without dealing with aging and that aging, itself, is reversible.Dilantin (phenytoin or diphenylhydantoin) is one of a number of age-retarding therapies proposed by Dilman (others include melatonin, L-dopa, and L-deprenyl). About Dilantin, Jack Dreyus, the founder of Dreyfus Mutual Funds, has written, "A remarkable medicine has been overlooked (1981)." Dreyfus had long suffered from severe depression, which Dilantin cured so successfully that Dreyfus created a medical foundation in order to tell the world about its many benefits. Although more than 100 diseases and symptoms have been reported to be improved by Dilantin (Finkel, 1984), FDA approval exists only for its use as a treatment for epilepsy.
INTELLIGENCE & CONCENTRATION
One of the principal mechanitsms, akin to its antiepileptic and antidepression benefits (Dreyfus, 1981), involves Dilantin's ability to enhance mental concentration, presumably through its ability to stabilize electrical activity in cell membranes. Thits is extremely important because the electrical/electrochemical processes of the cell's exterior interface with virtually all of the body's activities. Other benefits that probably derive from this effect of Dilantin include:
* increased intelligence and improved verbal performance
* improved behavior of the aged
* enhanced long-term memory
* greater learning ability
More than 10,000 studies on Dilantin have appeared in the literature. Other wide-ranging benefits of Dilantin use include an antiobesity effect (Thomas, 1986), motion sickness improvement, ( Woodard, 1993), alleviation of drug addiction and alcoholism (Lowenstein, 1993), hypoglycemia treatment (Johnson, 1993), improved wound healing (Pendse, 1993), and decreased violent behavior (Itel, 1978). A recent study on the impact of Dilantin in managing epilepsy found that it reduced epileptic discharges during sleep and increased the speed with which sleep is entered in the short intermediate, and long run (Roder-Wanner, 1987). In addition, it was found to increase slow-wave sleep in the short term. There have been many reports of Dilantin's beneficial use for jet lag.
LIFE EXTENSION
Dilantin has been shown, in animal experiments, to decrease tumor incidence and to prolong mean life span by 250%. Studies have shown a positive correlation between HDL cholesterol levels and longevity, and in humans Dilantin has been found to increatse HDL cholesterol. It has also been shown to prolong the reproductive period and to improve hypothalamic sensitivity to homeostasis signals, which Dilman believes plays a major role in aging.
It is important to note that, as with other drugs, more is not necessarily better, and in the instance of Dilantin, this is especially true. The amounts that epileptics typically take can have negative effects on intelligence and can lead to decreased motor speed or reaction time. Because Dilantin inhibits the function of the thyroid gland, sup- plemental thyroid hormone may be necessary. It can also impact the body's availability of vitamin B-12 and folate, so it is also important to take a supplemental dose of these nutrients when taking Dilantin. Pregnant women or those with renal or cardiac conditions should not use Dilantin
****************
Phenytoin is a remarkable multipurpose drug that has been the subject of more than 8,000 published papers. It is the most common treatment for epilepsy, and is prescribed under the generic name phenytoin and its trade name, Dilantin. It normalizes and improves mental functioning in general and improves concentration, learning, and thinking in particular. Discovered in 1938, phenytoin was used as an anticonvulsant and is still heralded as the most effective drug for this purpose ever discovered. Although scientists are just beginning to understand the electrical nature of humans and other animals, most people know that our nerves are electrical in nature. Thinking, memory, and pain are all electrically generated. Phenytoin stabilizes the electrical activity in the body at the level of the cell membrane. Phenytoin stops convulsions, which are electrical in nature. When cells show too much or too little electrical activity, phenytoin brings them back into balance. In addition, when the brain cells are functioning normally, the drug can calm the individual and increase energy levels. So phenytoin acts as a kind of medical equivalent to meditation, promoting calm and harmony. Because phenytoin influences electric currents, it can affect thinking and recall. Scientists don't really understand how phenytoin works; however, they postulate that it influences electromagnetic fields, which polarize the electrically charged elements in the cells. This results in a more effective organizational structure, so that cell and brain functioning is improved. One of the major advantages of phenytoin is it stabilizes and normalizes the nervous system without acting as either a stimulant or a depressant. The result is that one can concentrate, learn, and remember better. Prolonged concentration can be exhausting. One effect of phenytoin is that it delays the onset of fatigue and thereby reduces errors that accompany fatigue. In this regard, phenytoin's effect is similar to that of stimulants, but it is not a stimulant and has none of the side effects common to stimulants. Generally phenytoin's effectiveness for a wide variety of disorders is unknown to most doctors. Most doctors think it is useful only in maintaining epilepsy, and are not knowledgeable about its tremendous impact on general cognitive functioning, mood moderation, and concentration. Phenytoin does have some significant but infrequent side effects when taken in regular dosages. Some people report tremors, insomnia, headaches, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Dr. Pelton indicates that phenytoin can occasionally cause liver toxicity during the first few weeks of use. Some people, mostly children with epilepsy, report gum problems. A major consideration for most people using phenytoin is that it can disturb absorption of vitamin D and folic acid, which are essential for health. Dr. Pelton recommends that people on phenytoin therapy take supplements of vitamin D, calcium, and folic acid. Phenytoin is available, by prescription, in capsule, tablet, and liquid forms. The original patent has expired, so it is available under its generic name, phenytoin, as well as under its trade name Dilantin in the United States, and Epanutin, Epamin, Eplin, Idantoin, and Aleviatan in other countries.WHERE ARE THE DANGERS OF INTERACTION AND LIVER TOXICITY MENTIONED? WHERE ARE THE DANGERS OF DOSAGE MALADJUSTMENT MENTIONED???
Posted by djmmm on February 25, 2004, at 14:11:41
In reply to HELP! MY SON IS USING PHENYTOIN FOR OTHER PUPOSES, posted by xanthophill on February 24, 2004, at 0:10:00
> putting my sons room right i came across a bottle of "di-hydan"--phenytoin which he has gotten over the internet from Pakistan.Stringent interrogation and prodding has revealed only this "its inst a drug okay :people do this for greater concentration"...........interrogation stringet still has yielded this "MY LIFE ...I DO WHATEVER I WANT! if not infront of you then behind your back".........please dont mind the melodrama but as a mother....i losing sleep at night over this..
> The search on net has indeed shown that phenytoin (siezure control for epileptics) is widely used as a nootropic/cognition enhacing substance........thye say its "stablizes the electric imlblances in your neurons allowing you to concentrate better and for longer..making you calmer and focused".....how much of this all is true?...people have tried this will a great help if they can tell me of the benefit gained from used.
> Furthermore can anyone tell me for the following :
> 1)Phenytoin as a hepatotoxic.
> 2)Folic aicd and Calciferol supplementaion
> 3)Gum enlargement (increased collagen prodution)
> 4)Dosage for cognitive enhancement
>
> Please reply i need to know whats going on
>
>
>
>
>Just take the pills away from him... they will do him more harm then good.
Posted by utopizen on February 25, 2004, at 18:26:26
In reply to Re: HELP! MY SON IS USING PHENYTOIN FOR OTHER PUPOSES, posted by djmmm on February 25, 2004, at 14:11:41
geez, recalls me a year ago back when I was in a search for anything that could relieve my anxieties as well as prn Klonopin (which the doc I had back then refused to prescribe daily).
It sounded so good, and I read Jack's book and all. You really want to believe it, when you're desperate.
Posted by Wolf Dreamer on February 25, 2004, at 19:23:59
In reply to Re: HELP! MY SON IS USING PHENYTOIN FOR OTHER PUPOSES, posted by utopizen on February 25, 2004, at 18:26:26
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/medmaster/a682022.html
Thats a lot of information about it, including side effects.
I always go to the google search engine, then type in the name of the drug, followed by .gov. Sometimes I have to use the Advance Search button and set it to search only for webpages that end in .gov but usually it works fine the other way.
That way I can find a government webpage, almost always the national institute of mental health, to see what the government says about it, since they aren't trying to sell me anything, and therefor are a far more reliable source of information.
Posted by interject79 on February 25, 2004, at 21:44:39
In reply to HELP! MY SON IS USING PHENYTOIN FOR OTHER PUPOSES, posted by xanthophill on February 24, 2004, at 0:10:00
Your son is likely trying to self-medicate for a number of potential problems: ADHD, anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder are possible, among others. I had similar traits due to untreated ADHD and anxiety. And I was very defensive if questioned about any of my alternative choices for treatment. Get with the family physician and see what's going on, but be cautious about accepting "he's depressed, so how about an SSRI trial?"
Phenytoin isn't that good for much as I understand, and I suspect its about as good as placebo for the things you mentioned.
Best wishes,
interject
Posted by HappyGirl on February 26, 2004, at 17:28:13
In reply to HELP! MY SON IS USING PHENYTOIN FOR OTHER PUPOSES, posted by xanthophill on February 24, 2004, at 0:10:00
Hi:
I agree with most people's advices/suggestions on your problem as to finding a 'strange' med. in your son's room.
One thing I know of is that once a young man(sounds like your son is in late teens or in early 20's) started on his own, it's quite hard for anyone, even as a Mom to get a good answer from those young folks. But, I quite understand your worry and concern over this incident, finding, ... the first thing for you, as a Mom, is probably yourself, go to seek some counselling to get proper instruction how to deal with the current situation with your son, because your son sounds to me like pretty defensive on his action, ... in other words, he has NO intention to change things he's going to do. Talk to your son, ... if you can, ... but I highly doubt this method works on the situation like this. On the otherhand, I understand you NOT able to step back and watch him, ... it's impossible to do. Probably, if you could find a right counselor, then this route might be one of best solutions on this situation.
H.G.
Posted by xanthophill on February 27, 2004, at 10:26:11
In reply to Re: HELP! MY SON IS USING PHENYTOIN FOR OTHER PUPOSES, posted by HappyGirl on February 26, 2004, at 17:28:13
thank u all for such great advice........my son was lucky enough to have had enough sense to realize the possible outcomes of continuing phenytoin..i printed out the interactions and side-effects and showed it to him.....and thankfully he has now changed his mind.....u see when someone here said that phenytoin worsens gum problems for people.....i even told him that he siad he had a mouth sore which had got so bad that almost couldnt eat because it burned too bad....and small surprise phehytoin has a hand in this.......
after talking things over i have decided to buy him DMAE which is a far far safer subsitute .I enclose some literature on it....people who have tried it already will be a big help.THANK U ALL SO VERY MUCHDMAE
Normally found in small amounts in our brains, DMAE (dimetheyaminoethanol) has been shown to remarkably enhance brain function when used as a supplement in clinical studies.For instance, in a French double-blind study, individuals were given 1200 mg/day of DMAE for five days and showed significant improvements in alertness, neuromotor control, with decreased anxiety.Studies also show a remarkable improvement in learning and behavior problems such as ADD. A study conducted by Dr. Carl Pfeiffer of Princeton, N.J. showed significant improvements in behavior, learning ability, and attention span with 108 boys and girls. Irritability was decreased, scholastic ability was improved and IQ was actually elevated in some cases. These same improvements were seen with another study using 500mg of DMAE on 74 children with learning and hyperactivity problems.Other adult studies on DMAE show a continual mild stimulation without side effects with DMAE as well as increased intelligence and physical energy. With all its remarkable benefits, DMAE is sure to take its place as an important contribution to nutritional supplements.TAKING DMAEDosage: Begin with low dosages (125mg) and slowly increase up to 500mg/day as needed. Overdosing can cause insomnia, headaches or muscle tension. which disappear when dosage is lowered. No serious adverse effects have ever been reported. Should not be used by epileptics or those with manic depression
Posted by interject79 on February 27, 2004, at 13:06:32
In reply to Re: HELP! MY SON IS USING PHENYTOIN FOR OTHER PUPOSES, posted by xanthophill on February 27, 2004, at 10:26:11
DMAE is definitely worth a try. It's safe and relatively effective. I've taken it by itself and with Adderall with very good results for ADHD; it even helps keep my Adderall dosage lower I believe. Don't be afraid to go up to 500mg/day after a few days w/ no trouble. Many of the claims I've seen about DMAE are legitimate from my perspective.
Tyrosine and acetyl l-tyrosine, dopamine precursor/s, can be used for stimulating effects also. Tyrosine isn't as effective as DMAE IMO, though.
Best wishes,
interject
Posted by Maxime on February 27, 2004, at 20:38:33
In reply to HELP! MY SON IS USING PHENYTOIN FOR OTHER PUPOSES, posted by xanthophill on February 24, 2004, at 0:10:00
Hi
I am bipolar and I was prescribed Dilantin as a mood stabiliser. I took it for about 2 months and it didn't help so I switched to something else. I told my dentist I was taking it and he said to make sure I take extra care of my gums.
Anyhow, I am telling you this because sometimes people are prescribed it as a mood stabiliser.
Maxime
> putting my sons room right i came across a bottle of "di-hydan"--phenytoin which he has gotten over the internet from Pakistan.Stringent interrogation and prodding has revealed only this "its inst a drug okay :people do this for greater concentration"...........interrogation stringet still has yielded this "MY LIFE ...I DO WHATEVER I WANT! if not infront of you then behind your back".........please dont mind the melodrama but as a mother....i losing sleep at night over this..
> The search on net has indeed shown that phenytoin (siezure control for epileptics) is widely used as a nootropic/cognition enhacing substance........thye say its "stablizes the electric imlblances in your neurons allowing you to concentrate better and for longer..making you calmer and focused".....how much of this all is true?...people have tried this will a great help if they can tell me of the benefit gained from used.
> Furthermore can anyone tell me for the following :
> 1)Phenytoin as a hepatotoxic.
> 2)Folic aicd and Calciferol supplementaion
> 3)Gum enlargement (increased collagen prodution)
> 4)Dosage for cognitive enhancement
>
> Please reply i need to know whats going on
>
>
>
>
>
Posted by xanthophill on February 28, 2004, at 8:04:26
In reply to Re: HELP! MY SON IS USING PHENYTOIN FOR OTHER PUP, posted by Maxime on February 27, 2004, at 20:38:33
one of the side-effects i have encountered with DMAE is :feeling oversexed.....having intercourse does not solve the problem
CAN ANYONE PLZ HELP?
Posted by HappyGirl on February 28, 2004, at 15:08:16
In reply to HELP : prob using DMAE, posted by xanthophill on February 28, 2004, at 8:04:26
Hi:
This form of problem, 'Over-sex' is one of manic symptoms in Bipolar, not every Bps, ... but just 'few' Bps have. However, since there is NO definite name for your son's problem, ... then I can not be sure. There are any other problem to name/list on this.
Also, this form of problem(If,..'manic')sometimes brought by anti-dep., especially SSRIs that is quite notorious among some of Bps.
Some of folks here are so brilliant to offer a proper answer on all sorts of mental problems, ... then hopefully, a good response along with proper solution would arrive SOON.
H.G.
Posted by Dr. Bob on March 4, 2004, at 2:00:06
In reply to HELP : prob using DMAE, posted by xanthophill on February 28, 2004, at 8:04:26
> one of the side-effects i have encountered with DMAE is :feeling oversexed.....
I'd like to redirect follow-ups regarding DMAE to Psycho-Babble Alternative. Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20040225/msgs/319999.html
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by Dr. Bob on March 24, 2004, at 17:30:47
In reply to HELP! MY SON IS USING PHENYTOIN FOR OTHER PUPOSES, posted by xanthophill on February 24, 2004, at 0:10:00
Posted by caleb96 on March 21, 2004, at 14:29:30
Why is your son needing to concentrate better? Is he trying to study harder?
--C
Posted by xanthophill on March 25, 2004, at 7:09:13
In reply to Re: PHENYTOIN FOR OTHER PURPOSES « caleb96, posted by Dr. Bob on March 24, 2004, at 17:30:47
Yes my son was using phenytoin for longer periods of study: which require long stretches of concentration no doubt that phenytoin did indeed help him for the purpose used..but great toxicity and and "apthay" or more appropriately "lack of emotion" and gum sensitivity due to increased collagen production me take preventive measures.
Ive now decided to buy him MODAFINIL which had virtually zero toxicity throught the internet.
Posted by kemist on May 16, 2004, at 18:05:29
In reply to HELP! MY SON IS USING PHENYTOIN FOR OTHER PUPOSES, posted by xanthophill on February 24, 2004, at 0:10:00
I've been using phenytoin semi-regularly for about 10 years for improved concentration without any of the negative effects you mentioned. I'm sure these are a risk, and I have at times considered discontinuing my use.
However, the typical dose for cognitive enhancement is 50mg and I know people who take only 25mg. I'd never take more than 100mg in a day (and I'm quite big). Larger doses are counter-productive in my experience. The studies which reported the negative effects are about epileptics who typically take much greater doses.
I'd counsel him to take as little as possible.
cheers,
kemist
Posted by xanthophill on May 16, 2004, at 22:36:19
In reply to Re: HELP! MY SON IS USING PHENYTOIN FOR OTHER PUPOSES, posted by kemist on May 16, 2004, at 18:05:29
> I've been using phenytoin semi-regularly for about 10 years for improved concentration without any of the negative effects you mentioned. I'm sure these are a risk, and I have at times considered discontinuing my use.
>
> However, the typical dose for cognitive enhancement is 50mg and I know people who take only 25mg. I'd never take more than 100mg in a day (and I'm quite big). Larger doses are counter-productive in my experience. The studies which reported the negative effects are about epileptics who typically take much greater doses.
>
> I'd counsel him to take as little as possible.
>
> cheers,
> kemist
>=====> what exactly are the negative effects experienced on higher doses (other than the ones i mentioned.....? yes my son is taking 100mg per day.
Posted by kemist on May 17, 2004, at 16:33:03
In reply to Re: HELP! MY SON IS USING PHENYTOIN FOR OTHER PUPOSES » kemist, posted by xanthophill on May 16, 2004, at 22:36:19
> > I've been using phenytoin semi-regularly for about 10 years for improved concentration without any of the negative effects you mentioned. I'm sure these are a risk, and I have at times considered discontinuing my use.
> >
> > However, the typical dose for cognitive enhancement is 50mg and I know people who take only 25mg. I'd never take more than 100mg in a day (and I'm quite big). Larger doses are counter-productive in my experience. The studies which reported the negative effects are about epileptics who typically take much greater doses.
> >
> > I'd counsel him to take as little as possible.
> >
> > cheers,
> > kemist
> >
>
> =====> what exactly are the negative effects experienced on higher doses (other than the ones i mentioned.....? yes my son is taking 100mg per day.
>I was referring to cognitive effects. If I take a lot I feel as though my head is full of cotton wool -- slow thinking, might be the more technical term.
cheers,
kemist
Posted by rod on May 17, 2004, at 16:49:02
In reply to Re: HELP! MY SON IS USING PHENYTOIN FOR OTHER PUPOSES, posted by kemist on May 16, 2004, at 18:05:29
> I've been using phenytoin semi-regularly for about 10 years for improved concentration without any of the negative effects you mentioned. I'm sure these are a risk, and I have at times considered discontinuing my use.
>
> However, the typical dose for cognitive enhancement is 50mg and I know people who take only 25mg. I'd never take more than 100mg in a day (and I'm quite big). Larger doses are counter-productive in my experience. The studies which reported the negative effects are about epileptics who typically take much greater doses.
>
> I'd counsel him to take as little as possible.
>
> cheers,
> kemist
>
>
>Hi
How do you take phenytoin? Do you take it once in the morning? How long before you notice the efect? How long does one dose last, typically?
thanks
Roland
Posted by kemist on May 17, 2004, at 17:11:24
In reply to Re: HELP! MY SON IS USING PHENYTOIN FOR OTHER PUPOSES » kemist, posted by rod on May 17, 2004, at 16:49:02
>
> How do you take phenytoin? Do you take it once in the morning? How long before you notice the efect? How long does one dose last, typically?Roland,
Typically I take 50mg of a work-day morning, but not every day. Sometimes I take another 50 at lunch. I don't take it on weekends -- unlike work my family life is neither tedious nor stressful! I'd say the effects show up in about an hour and last a few hours after that. It's a little hard to know when they wear off because once I get "into the groove" of working I tend to stay there.
I'd look up the drug on medline before taking it. I wouldn't trust some anon on a message board. :?)
kemist
Posted by xanthophill on May 26, 2004, at 4:01:04
In reply to Re: HELP! MY SON IS USING PHENYTOIN FOR OTHER PUPOSES, posted by kemist on May 17, 2004, at 17:11:24
well reading up on on all the hullabaloo.....ive decided to take Phenytoin too.....as 50mg in the morning.
One word to describe the experience :REMARKABLE!
the tense snappy feeling i had sometimes disappears..its easier to concentrate on what yre doinf ..i mean yr thoughts just dont roll abt here and there.......
its only my second day on it so i refrain from writing more.....will be back later with more
Posted by Wolf Dreamer on May 26, 2004, at 10:31:43
In reply to Re: HELP! MY SON IS USING PHENYTOIN FOR OTHER PUPOSES, posted by xanthophill on May 26, 2004, at 4:01:04
kemist, that sounds amazing. I've been searching for information on the net since reading your post, but finding a lot of conflicting information. Anyway, I've bought dozens of things for my anxiety(caused by childhood bullying), and am still suffering from it every day.
What brand do you use, where did you get it at, and how much does it cost? Everyone who has used it before pleased post answers to that.
Searching the net I see that I can get 100 CHEW TAB at 50 mg for $12.00.
It has various names apparently, and is found in differant things.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002533.htmA lot of scary side effects listed for an overdose. But anything that changes the brain would harm it if too much, so I'm not too concerned about that.
Posted by kemist on May 26, 2004, at 16:59:29
In reply to PHENYTOIN cost what? where to get, what brand » xanthophill, posted by Wolf Dreamer on May 26, 2004, at 10:31:43
> kemist, that sounds amazing. I've been searching for information on the net since reading your post, but finding a lot of conflicting information. Anyway, I've bought dozens of things for my anxiety(caused by childhood bullying), and am still suffering from it every day.
>
> What brand do you use, where did you get it at, and how much does it cost? Everyone who has used it before pleased post answers to that.
>
> Searching the net I see that I can get 100 CHEW TAB at 50 mg for $12.00.
>
> It has various names apparently, and is found in differant things.
> http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002533.htm
>
> A lot of scary side effects listed for an overdose. But anything that changes the brain would harm it if too much, so I'm not too concerned about that.I don't claim it's a miracle cure for anything, but I know some people claim it is good for OCD, and other things. Remember that more is unlikely to be better.
I usually buy mine as Diphantoine from QHI (qhi.co.uk). It costs about $10 for 100 tablets. The "classic" brand is Dilantin, though I doubt there is much difference between brands. I've never heard of chewables; sounds yucky!
cheers,
kem
Posted by xanthophill on May 26, 2004, at 18:05:59
In reply to Re: PHENYTOIN cost what? where to get, what brand, posted by kemist on May 26, 2004, at 16:59:29
okay i get mine REMARKABLY** CHEAP!!......here in pakistan u a get a big 300 pill bottle for 2$!!!! amazing!
Posted by Elroy on November 10, 2005, at 15:02:21
In reply to Re: HELP! MY SON IS USING PHENYTOIN FOR OTHER PUPOSES, posted by djmmm on February 25, 2004, at 14:11:41
http://www.dhfglobal.org/pht/pht_1.html
Author Jack Dreyfus - yes the one of Wall Street fame who created the Dreyfus Funds - discovered that Dilantin cured his severe anxiety and depression back in the 1960s and over the next several years documented many other disorders that Dilantin has been proven effective. The doses used in treating these disorders are much less than that used for epileptic control - and it is at the higher doses where the negative side effects occasionally appear. Reading drug site informational data sheets or government articles referes to the use of the much higher doses used in the treatment of epilepsy. Jack Dreyfus himself used primarily 100 mg daily, sometimes going to 100 mg in the morning and the 50 mg later in the day.
Overall Dilantin is much safer than most modern day pharmaceuticals.
In fact at lower doses (25 mg) Dilantin is beginining to be used by many anti-aging experts:
http://www.anti-aging-today.org/medicine/anti-aging/dilantin-phenytoin.htm
http://www.vrp.com/art/253.asp
http://www.vrp.com/art/758.asp
http://www.worldhealth.net/p/286,2059.html
For those familiar with the connection between hypercortisolism and various psychological disorders (anxiety, depression, bipolar, etc.), it is interesting to note that Dilantin also reduces cortisol levels. It does not inhibit the production of cortisol per se, but apparently metabolizes the cortisol very quickly from the body (so could possibly be a concern with someone with advanced adrenal fatigue or outright Addison's Disease).
http://stress.about.com/cs/cortisol/a/aa012901_2.htm
http://www.endocrinology.med.ucla.edu/adrenal_axis.htm
Mr. Dreyfus has since devoted most of his life to advancing the cause of Dilantin, creating a special medical council (originally the Dreyfus Medical Fund but now the Dreyfus Health Fund).
Yes, he is still alive, recently celebrating his 92nd birthday. And, no, he has NO financial interest in any form of Dilantin.
http://www.remarkablemedicine.com/
Part of the problem with Dilantin in fact is that it was developed in 1908 and bought out by a US drug company in (I believe) 1937. It was approved for epileptic control and put on a shelf. It's patent expired (like all others) in 17 years, so when Jack Dreyfus discovered its effects (through personal use) in the 1960s, the patent had long since expired and the parent company (nor any other company) had any financial incentive to conduct extensive controlled tests to show these additional positive uses of Dilantin (though the books document tens of thousands of prescriptions being written by individual doctors for some 50+ "off-label" uses).
I would strongly urge any reader to obtain and read his books (the initial volume that I read was published in 1988, but I understand that he has since published an updated version that was published in 2003). Aside from the very interesting information provided on Dilantin itself, you will also get a very disturbing view of how the FDA, the drug companies, and medical science really works.
That said, there are many "nay-sayers" about Jack Dreyfus and his work... but a little digging around will find that usually - not always, but usually - there's a "hidden agenda" involved....
Posted by ed_uk on November 12, 2005, at 12:04:15
In reply to Re: Dilantin (PHT), posted by Elroy on November 10, 2005, at 15:02:21
Here are some (little) studies which might be of interest....... Phenytoin seems to have aroused some interest among psychiatrists in Israel.
Summary of the trials performed in Israel................
Int J Neuropsychopharmacol. 2005 Oct 5;:1-6
Phenytoin (Dilantin, Epanutin): an anti-bipolar anticonvulsant?
Bersudsky Y.
Ministry of Health Mental Health Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beersheva, Israel.
Phenytoin, a classical anticonvulsant has been little studied in bipolar disorder. We completed a trial of phenytoin in mania and schizoaffective disorder, manic type. Thirty-nine patients entered a 5-wk double-blind controlled trial of haloperidol (Haldol)+phenytoin vs. haloperidol+placebo; 30 patients completed at least 3 wk; 25 completed 5 wk. Significantly more improvement was observed in those patients receiving phenytoin. Phenytoin has not previously been studied prophylactically in bipolar patients. Bipolar patients were studied who had at least one episode per year in the previous 2 yr despite ongoing prophylaxis. Patients were stable for a mean of 4 months (range 1-13) before entering the study. Phenytoin or placebo was added to their current therapy in a double-blind cross-over design for 6 months in each phase. Thirty observation periods of 6 months each were studied for 23 patients. Three patients had relapse on phenytoin and nine had relapse on placebo. There was a significant prophylactic effect of phenytoin in bipolar disorder [cox's f test for comparing survival in two groups: f (6, 18)=3.44, p =0.02]. This study suggests prophylactic effects of add-on phenytoin in bipolar illness. However, the number of patients was small and confirmation is necessary. Lamotrigine (Lamictal) has recently been reported to have antidepressant effects. In the past, small studies showed antidepressant effects for carbamazepine (Tegretol) and valproate (Depakote). To determine if such effects could be a class property of other voltage-activated sodium channel blockers such as phenytoin, we performed a double-blind controlled trial of phenytoin vs. fluoxetine (Prozac) in unipolar depression. Thirty-three depressed patients entered the study, and 28 completed at least 3 weeks and were included in data analyses. Weekly Hamilton depression scales for 6 wk showed no difference between fluoxetine and phenytoin. Clearly pharmaceutical company funding for clinical trials or advertising for phenytoin is minimal and this must be taken into account in evaluating literature on phenytoin vs. other drugs. The present data suggests that effects on affective disorder may be common to many anticonvulsants.
More info on the depression study.........
J Clin Psychiatry. 2005 May;66(5):586-90.
Controlled double-blind trial of phenytoin vs. fluoxetine (Prozac) in major depressive disorder.
Nemets B, Bersudsky Y, Belmaker RH.
Stanley Research Center & Beersheva Mental Health Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beersheva, Israel.
BACKGROUND: Phenytoin was the first non-sedative anticonvulsant introduced and is still the anticonvulsant most widely used worldwide in neurology. Given the efficacy of the anticonvulsant lamotrigine (Lamictal) in the depressed phase of bipolar disorder, a critical theoretical question is whether other anticonvulsants used in treating bipolar disorder might be similarly effective. We therefore undertook a controlled trial of phenytoin versus fluoxetine (Prozac) in major depressive disorder. METHOD: Data were collected from July 2001 to July 2003. Thirty-three subjects entered the study. All patients met DSM-IV criteria for major depressive disorder and scored a minimum of 18 on the 24-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) at baseline. After a 3-day washout of any previous medications, patients were randomly assigned to fluoxetine or phenytoin in identical capsules. Each capsule contained phenytoin 100 mg or fluoxetine 7 mg plus cornstarch. Patients started with 1 tablet daily and increased every other day until they were taking 1 tablet 3 times daily with meals. Blood phenytoin levels were taken after 1 week, 3 weeks, and 6 weeks, and dosage was adjusted to achieve blood levels of 10 to 20 microg/mL, to a maximum dose of 4 capsules per day or a minimum dose of 2 capsules per day. Fluoxetine patients were assigned dummy blood phenytoin levels by the control psychiatrist such that the treating physician would raise the number of capsules to at least 3 per day (20 mg of fluoxetine). RESULTS: Thirty-three patients entered the study, and 28 (N = 14 in each treatment group) completed at least 3 weeks and were included in the data analysis. Patients who dropped out after week 3 (3 patients) were included in the study as last value carried forward. There was no difference between treatment groups in overall rate of response or speed of response. CONCLUSION: The absence of a placebo arm in our study allows for the possibility that neither treatment was more effective than placebo. However, the exclusion of past fluoxetine (Prozac) nonresponders and the minimum HAM-D score at baseline of 18 make this possibility unlikely.
More info on the bipolar prophylaxis study................
Bipolar Disord. 2003 Dec;5(6):464-7.
Prophylactic effect of phenytoin in bipolar disorder: a controlled study.Mishory A, Winokur M, Bersudsky Y.
Barzilai Hospital, Ashkelon Faculty of Health Sciences, Ministry of Health, Mental Health Center, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beersheva, Israel.
OBJECTIVE: Phenytoin is an effective anticonvulsant that has not previously been studied prophylactically in bipolar (BP) patients. Thus a study of phenytoin prophylaxis was undertaken and is herein reported. METHOD: Bipolar patients were studied who had at least one episode per year in the previous 2 years despite ongoing prophylaxis. Patients were stable for a mean of 4 months (range 1-13) before entering the study. Phenytoin or placebo was added to their current therapy in a double-blind cross-over design for 6 months in each phase. Thirty observation periods of 6 months each were studied for 23 patients. RESULTS: Three patients had relapse on phenytoin and nine had relapse on placebo. There was a significant prophylactic effect of phenytoin in BP disorder [Cox's F-test for comparing survival in two groups: F(6, 18) = 3.44, p = 0.02]. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests prophylactic effects of add-on phenytoin in BP illness. However, the number of patients was small and confirmation is necessary.
More info on the mania trial.............
Am J Psychiatry. 2000 Mar;157(3):463-5.
Phenytoin as an antimanic anticonvulsant: a controlled study.Mishory A, Yaroslavsky Y, Bersudsky Y, Belmaker RH.
Stanley Center for Bipolar Research, Ministry of Health Mental Health Center, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beersheva, Israel.
OBJECTIVE: Phenytoin, a classical anticonvulsant, shares with antimanic anticonvulsants the property of blockade of voltage-activated sodium channels. The authors therefore planned a trial of phenytoin for mania. METHOD: Patients with either bipolar I disorder, manic type, or schizoaffective disorder, manic type, entered a 5-week, double-blind controlled trial of haloperidol plus phenytoin versus haloperidol plus placebo. Of 39 patients, 30 completed at least 3 weeks and 25 completed 5 weeks. RESULTS: Significantly more improvement was observed in the patients receiving phenytoin. Added improvement with phenytoin in scores on the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale and Clinical Global Impression was seen in the patients with bipolar mania but not those with schizoaffective mania. CONCLUSIONS: Blockade of voltage-activated sodium channels may be a common therapeutic mechanism of many anticonvulsants given for mania, and phenytoin may be a therapeutic option for some manic patients.
Phenytoin might rarely induce mania!!
Can J Psychiatry. 1989 Nov;34(8):827-8.
Organic mania induced by phenytoin: a case report.
Patten SB, Klein GM, Lussier C, Sawa R.
Department of Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Alberta.
Organic Mood Disorder of the manic type is a syndrome which resembles a manic episode but is due to a specific organic factor. Organic mania may be associated with a variety of physical illnesses such as temporal lobe epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, neoplasms and hyperthyroidism. In addition, organic mania can be associated with drugs including L-dopa, decongestants, sympathomimetics, steroids, baclofen withdrawal, cimetidine, and possibly captopril. This report describes a case of a 74 year old female who presented with a full syndrome of mania soon after being started on phenytoin. Neither the clinical picture, Mini-mental state score, nor EEG findings were suggestive of delirium. The syndrome resolved soon after the phenytoin was discontinued. This case suggests that phenytoin should be added to the list of medications capable of producing Organic Mood Syndrome, manic type.
Ed
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