Psychotropic effects of carbamazepine in epilepsy: a double-blind comparison with phenytoin

The "psychotropic" effects of carbamazepine were evaluated with phenytoin (Dilantin) as reference agent in a counterbalanced, crossover study. Forty adult epileptics were given a series of neuropsychologic tests and the MMPI after 4 months on each agent. Most abilities were much the same with either anticonvulsant, but there were fewer errors with carbamazepine on mental tasks requiring attention and problem solving, and some improvement in emotional status was suggested. The findings were consistent with patient reports of improvement in alertness and mental functioning. These results combine with the excellent anticonvulsant properties of carbamazepine to support its use as an anticonvulsant.