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Prophylactic effect of phenytoin in bipolar disorder: a controlled study
A Mishory1, M Winokur, Y Bersudsky
1Barzilai Hospital, Ashkelon Faculty of Health Sciences, Ministry of Health, Mental Health Center, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beersheva, Israel.
Bipolar Disorders
|November 26, 2003
Summary
Phenytoin showed a significant prophylactic effect in bipolar disorder patients, reducing relapse rates compared to placebo. Further research is needed to confirm these findings in larger patient groups.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Bipolar disorder (BP) is a mood disorder characterized by alternating episodes of mania and depression.
- Anticonvulsants are commonly used in bipolar disorder treatment, but phenytoin's prophylactic role is understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prophylactic efficacy of phenytoin as an add-on therapy in bipolar patients experiencing recurrent mood episodes.
- To evaluate whether phenytoin can reduce the frequency of mood episodes in bipolar disorder.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, cross-over study design was employed.
- 23 bipolar patients with at least one episode per year were enrolled.
- Phenytoin or placebo was added to existing therapy for 6-month periods.
Main Results:
- A significantly lower relapse rate was observed with phenytoin compared to placebo (p = 0.02).
- Three patients relapsed on phenytoin, while nine relapsed on placebo.
Conclusions:
- Add-on phenytoin demonstrates a potential prophylactic effect in bipolar illness.
- The study's small sample size necessitates further investigation to confirm these results.
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