Dilantin for antidepression

  I have recently started taking Dilantin for anitdepression..... with remarkable results.  I now here of all of these side effects....but I really feel better.  I would like to know why some people feel that this works for antidepression and others are soooo convinced that dilantin is so bad?  Please tell me how it is that I feel so much better?
Dear Dan,
Dilantin or phenytoin has been described to help depression.  I am glad that it is helping you.  The rap on dilantin for depression is that 1) side effects 2) patient population that it helps in narrow 3) need to monitor levels initially, and 4) interactions with other medications.  It is not that it is so bad, but more that there are other antidepressants out there that have less side effects, have a broader range of patients who respond to it, and affected less by other medications.  So, it isn't the usual medication that is the initial choice for depression.  However, if dilantin works for your depression then for you it is a wonderful medication.  Don't worry about the other medications.  Just be aware of the side effects, dizziness, nystagmus, hair growth, ataxia, and anemia for the most common side effects.  
Sincerely,
CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS