Dilantin

Learn about this inexpensive drug with broad clinical benefits

Dilantin (phenytoin) is a safe, inexpensive, yet underused drug that has been shown to help a wide range of health problems.

This drug, which has been around since the 1930s, is prescribed mainly for epilepsy. However, Dilantin does more than treat seizures. Studies and clinical experience have demonstrated that it is especially beneficial for treating dysphoria—an emotional state marked by feelings of depression, anxiety, restlessness, dissatisfaction, or unease.

How Does Dilantin Work?

Dilantin calms electrical activity in the brain. That’s why it’s such a great antiseizure medication. However, even if you don’t have a seizure disorder, you may be one of the millions of people who have “static” in these electrical impulses. This can lead to anxiety, depression, and a host of other problems.

That’s where low-dose Dilantin comes in. Its effects on the nervous system can be likened to fine-tuning a radio. If you’re getting static—you can hear the music but there’s also a lot of irritating noise—adjusting the dial removes the noise and allows only music to come through. The sound is soothing and everyone is happy.

What Does Treatment With Dilantin Involve?

Dilantin requires a prescription so you will need to talk to your doctor. However, be prepared that he may not be willing to prescribe it for the conditions mentioned here.

Even though it is perfectly legal for physicians to do so (it’s called “off-label” drug use), medicine has become so tightly regulated that doctors sometimes tell patients they won’t risk their medical license by writing a prescription for Dilantin.

That’s why I suggest you go to your physician armed with information. In addition to what you’ve read here, I strongly recommend the book, The Story of a Remarkable Medicine by Jack Dreyfus. It’s available, along with more information about Dilantin, at Remarkablemedicine.com.

What Conditions Is Dilantin Good For?

• Anxiety
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Concentration problems
• Claustrophobia
• Depression
• Dysphoria
• Eating Disorders
• Migraines
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Restless leg syndrome
• Temper tantrums
• Tourette syndrome

More Dr. Whitaker Advice on Clinical Therapies

• Bioidentical Hormones
• IV Nutrients
• Reflexology