Phenytoin as an augmentation for SSRI failures: a small controlled study.
BACKGROUND
Lithium augmentation of antidepressant effects in patients unimproved on antidepressants is well documented. We hypothesized that phenytoin, reported to have antimanic, antidepressant and prophylactic effects on affective disorder, might also augment in SSRI failures.


METHODS
Twenty five patients were recruited and twenty had data sufficient for analysis between phenytoin and placebo in depression ratings.


RESULTS
No effect was found.


CONCLUSIONS
This study was a small study.


CONCLUSIONS
Lithium's ability to augment in antidepressant failures may not be shared with the anticonvulsant mood stabilizers.
Shapira
B
B
Schonbaum Depression Department, Herzog Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel.
Nemets
B
B
Trachtenberg
A
A
Belmaker
R H
RH
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004351:Drug Resistance; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D005473:Fluoxetine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D016666:Fluvoxamine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017374:Paroxetine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D010555:Personality Inventory; D010672:Phenytoin / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D005473:Fluoxetine; D016666:Fluvoxamine; D017374:Paroxetine; D010672:Phenytoin; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors