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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 thinnling on Mon, 2009-02-02 - 19:06
Re: Dilantin Withdrawal & Depression?
Submitted by apmast on Tue, 2009-02-03 - 08:39
Hi Thinnling,
I have to admit that when I first got on Dilantin I had some tiredness but it went away. There are some side effects with Dilanting relating to "duh" sort of thoughts or actions but I found that in time they went away or I became used to them and simply pawned them off. I NEVER feel bad about what is going on because it's not in my control and my friends and family understand that. If anything it's a great excuse for not remembering stuff! :) I'm pretty sure that depression is not a known or established side effect of Dilantin, but if you're taking other medications there perhaps could be some sort of interaction.
My most sincere and non-medical advice would be to calm down, think seriously about whether this is pyschosomatic anxiety, worry, etc. I don't mean to propose that your feelings aren't real or sincere but rather perhaps they are enhanced by worry and anxiety. Get out there and forget about the side effects and enjoy your life. Don't let your epilepsy own you. Your thoughts and feelings have much more of an effect than you might think. Positive mental attitude comes from within you and I think if you harness that positive vibe this will all be a faint memory in the long haul. I know it's easier said than done, but look at the big picture... you're going to be around this planet for a while, so push through your sadness, worry and depression and anger. Watch some funny movies, listen to calming music, do what YOU know makes you happy.
All my sincerity,
Andrew
Hi Thinnling,
I have to admit that when I first got on Dilantin I had some tiredness but it went away. There are some side effects with Dilanting relating to "duh" sort of thoughts or actions but I found that in time they went away or I became used to them and simply pawned them off. I NEVER feel bad about what is going on because it's not in my control and my friends and family understand that. If anything it's a great excuse for not remembering stuff! :) I'm pretty sure that depression is not a known or established side effect of Dilantin, but if you're taking other medications there perhaps could be some sort of interaction.
My most sincere and non-medical advice would be to calm down, think seriously about whether this is pyschosomatic anxiety, worry, etc. I don't mean to propose that your feelings aren't real or sincere but rather perhaps they are enhanced by worry and anxiety. Get out there and forget about the side effects and enjoy your life. Don't let your epilepsy own you. Your thoughts and feelings have much more of an effect than you might think. Positive mental attitude comes from within you and I think if you harness that positive vibe this will all be a faint memory in the long haul. I know it's easier said than done, but look at the big picture... you're going to be around this planet for a while, so push through your sadness, worry and depression and anger. Watch some funny movies, listen to calming music, do what YOU know makes you happy.
All my sincerity,
Andrew
Re: Dilantin Withdrawal & Depression?
Submitted by apmast on Tue, 2009-02-03 - 10:44
Hi hd96sj,
My advice is to check with your neurologist because as far as I have read, Topomax does have side effects like depression associated with discontinuation (although pretty low percent) and despite what people say on this forum who begin Dilantin, Dilantin does not have recorded side effects of depression... keep in mind that Dilantin is an old drug that's been around so we have well established reports of side effects. With Dilantin I would be way more concern with the physical issues it can present, such as osteoperosis, liver disease, etc.
I will opinionate that people starting Dilantin may be confusing the initial tiredness and "barbituate" effect for depression. It takes time to get used to any new seizure drug! Those who are switching from one drug to another may want to consider the possibility that the body needs time to adjust to these chemical changes. When I got off Dilantin and onto Lamictal, it took me about 2-3 months before I stopped making my sentences look like this: "Helo, my nmae is Andrew and I lic to play bascatball at the prka." Ok, exxagerated but you get my point.
I got over the hump and now I'm more mentally acute than I ever remember while on Dilantin.
I urge people who are experiencing emotional issues with their medications to ask the doctor if it's a known side effect. You would be surprised to hear that epileptics can be quite paranoid when they start to feel dizzy or worried about having a seizure. All this added anxiety is not always a side effect of medication but it certainly can lead to seizures as stress is a factor!
Much sincerity and hope for your happiness,
Andrew
Cheers, Andrew
Hi hd96sj,
My advice is to check with your neurologist because as far as I have read, Topomax does have side effects like depression associated with discontinuation (although pretty low percent) and despite what people say on this forum who begin Dilantin, Dilantin does not have recorded side effects of depression... keep in mind that Dilantin is an old drug that's been around so we have well established reports of side effects. With Dilantin I would be way more concern with the physical issues it can present, such as osteoperosis, liver disease, etc.
I will opinionate that people starting Dilantin may be confusing the initial tiredness and "barbituate" effect for depression. It takes time to get used to any new seizure drug! Those who are switching from one drug to another may want to consider the possibility that the body needs time to adjust to these chemical changes. When I got off Dilantin and onto Lamictal, it took me about 2-3 months before I stopped making my sentences look like this: "Helo, my nmae is Andrew and I lic to play bascatball at the prka." Ok, exxagerated but you get my point.
I got over the hump and now I'm more mentally acute than I ever remember while on Dilantin.
I urge people who are experiencing emotional issues with their medications to ask the doctor if it's a known side effect. You would be surprised to hear that epileptics can be quite paranoid when they start to feel dizzy or worried about having a seizure. All this added anxiety is not always a side effect of medication but it certainly can lead to seizures as stress is a factor!
Much sincerity and hope for your happiness,
Andrew
Cheers, Andrew