[Dilantin toxicity as a possible cause of major depression].
Diphenylhydantoin (D; Dilantin) is widely used in neurologic and psychiatric practice for treating convulsive disorders. D overdosage and poisoning may cause behavioral disturbances, such as schizophreniform and delusional states. To the best of our knowledge, D has been linked with mood disorders in just 1 documented case. We report a 70-year-old woman who developed major depression as a complication of D intoxication. Treatment with folic acid led to complete recovery. We believe that D causes depression by lowering folic acid blood levels by a biochemical mechanism. We suggest that levels of D and folic acid be monitored continually all patients treated with the drug.
Levkovitch
Y
Y
Shalvata Mental Health Center, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University.
Abramovitch
Y
Y
Nizan
I
I
D000368:Aged; D003863:Depression / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D010672:Phenytoin / Q000506:poisoning*
D010672:Phenytoin; D005492:Folic Acid