Phenytoin as an augmentation for SSRI failures: a small controlled study

J Affect Disord. 2006 Nov;96(1-2):123-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2006.05.011. Epub 2006 Jun 30.

Abstract

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.

Limitations: This study was a small study.

Conclusions: Lithium's ability to augment in antidepressant failures may not be shared with the anticonvulsant mood stabilizers.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Anticonvulsants / administration & dosage*
  • Anticonvulsants / adverse effects
  • Anticonvulsants / pharmacokinetics
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / blood
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / diagnosis
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / drug therapy*
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Drug Resistance
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Female
  • Fluoxetine / administration & dosage
  • Fluoxetine / adverse effects
  • Fluvoxamine / administration & dosage
  • Fluvoxamine / adverse effects
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Paroxetine / administration & dosage
  • Paroxetine / adverse effects
  • Personality Inventory
  • Phenytoin / administration & dosage*
  • Phenytoin / adverse effects
  • Phenytoin / pharmacokinetics
  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / administration & dosage*
  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / adverse effects
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants
  • Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors
  • Fluoxetine
  • Paroxetine
  • Phenytoin
  • Fluvoxamine