The American Psychiatric Association (APA) has updated its Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, including with new information specifically addressed to individuals in the European Economic Area. As described in the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, this website utilizes cookies, including for the purpose of offering an optimal online experience and services tailored to your preferences.

Please read the entire Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. By closing this message, browsing this website, continuing the navigation, or otherwise continuing to use the APA's websites, you confirm that you understand and accept the terms of the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, including the utilization of cookies.

×
ArticleNo Access

EVALUATION OF CONTINUED THERAPY WITH PHENYTOIN SODIUM

Published Online:https://doi.org/10.1176/ajp.99.2.231

The total results of all groups comprising the follow-up study of the initial group plus the follow-up study of the new group may be summarized as follows:

Of 93 patients receiving phenobarbital (1½-10 grs.) for 5-44 months there was marked reduction of seizures in 15 per cent (14); moderate reduction in 20.4 per cent (19); and no reduction in 64.5 per cent (6o).

Of 41 patients receiving phenytoin (1½-9 grs.) for 3-33 months there was marked reduction of seizures in 39 per cent (16); moderate reduction in 24.3 per cent (10); and no reduction in 36.5 per cent (15).

Of 104 patients receiving phenobarbital combined with phenytoin there was marked reduction of seizures in 28.8 per cent (30); moderate reduction in 21.1 per cent (22); no reduction in 49.9 per cent (52).

Analysis of the anticonvulsant effect obtained in 145 patients receiving phenytoin sodium, either alone or combined with phenobarbital during a period of 3-41 months, revealed marked reduction of seizures in 31.7 per cent; moderate reduction in 22 per cent; and poor results in 46.2 per cent.

Although several patients were seizure-free for 4-26 consecutive months, these seizure-free intervals were interspersed with recurrence of seizures for at least one to several months, except in one case seizure-free for 38 consecutive months on a combination of 3 grains of phenytoin sodium and 1 grain of phenobarbital.

Toxic reactions are discussed.

Access content

To read the fulltext, please use one of the options below to sign in or purchase access.