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Dilantin Withdrawal & Depression?
Wed, 07/02/2008 - 17:16After a stressful 2 months on dilantin, my neurologist has decided it is safe to take me off of it (normal eegs and question as to whether or not I actually had a seizure in the first place). I'm slowly weaning off, and am down from 300mg to 200mg for almost a week now, but the last 3 days or so have been feeling depressed. I'm not sure if it's the reduced amount of Dilantin or just the ordeal I've been through or what. I'm presently on an SSRI for depression which has come and gone for years, but until now I've been fine (although I did suffer greatly from anxiety the last 2 months).
I was just wondering if anyone else has experienced depression when coming off of dilantin or knows whether this is a side effect or not.
Comments
Re: Dilantin Withdrawal & Depression?
Submitted by Sharron307 on Mon, 2008-07-28 - 21:29
Re: Dilantin Withdrawal & Depression?
Submitted by sawyerheights on Sun, 2008-08-17 - 14:31
Well, all I can say is bingo, you nailed it. I've been taking Dilantin for most of the time since 1994, when I first suffered a seizure. It is a pretty nasty drug. It probably has a longer list of notable adverse side effects than any other seizure control drug. It also is one of the first prescription drugs ever devised, which shows you that it's not particularly sophisticated. But, if it works, it works.
A big problem with Dilantin is that it is not linear in its effects. A small decrease can have big consequences in side effects. Not doubt in my mind that it is not anxiety, but just typical Dilantin behavioral impact that you're experiencing. (Please don't substitute my lay judgement for your neurologist's).
Dilantin makes me very irritable, snappy, moody, and even angry. I take Prozac to offset it somewhat, but not completely. I know it's Dilantin that does this, because when I've tried to switch to other drugs (and I've tried them all, unsuccessfully), those symptoms disappeared (except Keppra, which made me crazy). In my case, I'm so darn grumpy and unpredictable that I've recently had to move to an apartment, because I was such a negative influence in my household. Not fun. You'll feel just fine once you're off Dilantin, but it may be a bit of a rough go. Just hang in, and be sure to tell everybody that your temporary behavioral issues are just the result of your reducing your Dilantin dosage, and not anything willing on your part. Thank God you can go off it.
Well, all I can say is bingo, you nailed it. I've been taking Dilantin for most of the time since 1994, when I first suffered a seizure. It is a pretty nasty drug. It probably has a longer list of notable adverse side effects than any other seizure control drug. It also is one of the first prescription drugs ever devised, which shows you that it's not particularly sophisticated. But, if it works, it works.
A big problem with Dilantin is that it is not linear in its effects. A small decrease can have big consequences in side effects. Not doubt in my mind that it is not anxiety, but just typical Dilantin behavioral impact that you're experiencing. (Please don't substitute my lay judgement for your neurologist's).
Dilantin makes me very irritable, snappy, moody, and even angry. I take Prozac to offset it somewhat, but not completely. I know it's Dilantin that does this, because when I've tried to switch to other drugs (and I've tried them all, unsuccessfully), those symptoms disappeared (except Keppra, which made me crazy). In my case, I'm so darn grumpy and unpredictable that I've recently had to move to an apartment, because I was such a negative influence in my household. Not fun. You'll feel just fine once you're off Dilantin, but it may be a bit of a rough go. Just hang in, and be sure to tell everybody that your temporary behavioral issues are just the result of your reducing your Dilantin dosage, and not anything willing on your part. Thank God you can go off it.
Re: Dilantin Withdrawal & Depression?
Submitted by hd96sj on Fri, 2008-08-22 - 18:53
this is my first post, I am asking for any help please,.
I too just started Dilantin and am very very moody,depressed and extremely tired. is this normal? I'm on a dosage schedule that is to end my Dilantin in about 5 weeks, starting at 150mg. I dont think I can make it sometimes. The prescription is weening me off of Dilantin and increading my Topomax. Of course it is normal for me to be depressed because my life has changed forever and had an unexplained siezure, I understand this, but I feel that my mind is always in a fog and I cry a lot. will this ever end? please tell me Dialntin is causing much of this, ( or might it be the topomax) and what might i do. thanks so much for any help.
this is my first post, I am asking for any help please,.
I too just started Dilantin and am very very moody,depressed and extremely tired. is this normal? I'm on a dosage schedule that is to end my Dilantin in about 5 weeks, starting at 150mg. I dont think I can make it sometimes. The prescription is weening me off of Dilantin and increading my Topomax. Of course it is normal for me to be depressed because my life has changed forever and had an unexplained siezure, I understand this, but I feel that my mind is always in a fog and I cry a lot. will this ever end? please tell me Dialntin is causing much of this, ( or might it be the topomax) and what might i do. thanks so much for any help.