Expert: Ivan Goldberg, M.D. - 5/28/2004

Question
Dr. Goldberg, do yoy believe in the positive effects of Dilantin (Phenytoin) on mood disorders, anxiety and depression? Jack Dreyfus has been a stron advocate of this med non-antiepileptic qualities for years and yet psychiatrists shy away from prescribing it for off-label use. What is the reason for that?ryan

Answer
Hi . . .

While Jack Dryfus advocates the use of Dilantin for many disorders he provides no evidence that Dilantin is more effective than the anticonvulsants that are being used to treat people with bipolar disorder.  

On one occasion I treated someone, who had known Dryfus, with Dilantin.  While it worked to some extent, its failure to provide sufficient relief encouraged the patient to try other anticonvulsants, one of which provided more complete relief.

Best regards . . .

Ivan
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