Dilantin / Phenytoin - Caveat lector

                     

                       Phenytoin is a remarkable multipurpose drug that
                       has been the subject of more than 8,000
                       published papers. It is the most common
                       treatment for epilepsy, and is prescribed under
                       the generic name phenytoin and its trade name,
                       Dilantin. It normalizes and improves mental
                       functioning in general and improves
                       concentration, learning, and thinking in particular.

                       Discovered in 1938, phenytoin was used as an
                       anticonvulsant and is still heralded as the most
                       effective drug for this purpose ever discovered.
                       Although scientists are just beginning to
                       understand the electrical nature of humans and
                       other animals, most people know that our nerves
                       are electrical in nature. Thinking, memory, and
                       pain are all electrically generated. Phenytoin
                       stabilizes the electrical activity in the body at the
                       level of the cell membrane. Phenytoin stops
                       convulsions, which are electrical in nature. When
                       cells show too much or too little electrical
                       activity, phenytoin brings them back into
                       balance. In addition, when the brain cells are
                       functioning normally, the drug can calm the
                       individual and increase energy levels. So
                       phenytoin acts as a kind of medical equivalent to
                       meditation, promoting calm and harmony.

                       Because phenytoin influences electric currents, it
                       can affect thinking and recall. Scientists don't
                       really understand how phenytoin works; however,
                       they postulate that it influences electromagnetic
                       fields, which polarize the electrically charged
                       elements in the cells. This results in a more
                       effective organizational structure, so that cell and
                       brain functioning is improved.

                       One of the major advantages of phenytoin is it
                       stabilizes and normalizes the nervous system
                       without acting as either a stimulant or a
                       depressant. The result is that one can
                       concentrate, learn, and remember better.
                       Prolonged concentration can be exhausting. One
                       effect of phenytoin is that it delays the onset of
                       fatigue and thereby reduces errors that
                       accompany fatigue. In this regard, phenytoin's
                       effect is similar to that of stimulants, but it is not
                       a stimulant and has none of the side effects
                       common to stimulants.

                       Generally phenytoin's effectiveness for a wide
                       variety of disorders is unknown to most doctors.
                       Most doctors think it is useful only in maintaining
                       epilepsy, and are not knowledgeable about its
                       tremendous impact on general cognitive
                       functioning, mood moderation, and concentration.

                       Phenytoin does have some significant but
                       infrequent side effects when taken in regular
                       dosages. Some people report tremors, insomnia,
                       headaches, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Dr.
                       Pelton indicates that phenytoin can occasionally
                       cause liver toxicity during the first few weeks of
                       use. Some people, mostly children with epilepsy,
                       report gum problems.

                       A major consideration for most people using
                       phenytoin is that it can disturb absorption of
                       vitamin D and folic acid, which are essential for
                       health. Dr. Pelton recommends that people on
                       phenytoin therapy take supplements of vitamin D,
                       calcium, and folic acid. 

                       Phenytoin is available, by prescription, in
                       capsule, tablet, and liquid forms. The original
                       patent has expired, so it is available under its
                       generic name, phenytoin, as well as under its
                       trade name Dilantin in the United States, and
                       Epanutin, Epamin, Eplin, Idantoin, and Aleviatan
                       in other countries.