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Show illia Released by Western Newspaper Union. TREATING EPILEPSY A few years ago a not uncommon sight on the street, church, theater or elsewhere, was a patient having an epileptic fit. No treatment dur- ; J ing the attack was given except that the patient was prevented prevent-ed from hurting himself him-self (biting his tongue or striking against hard objects). ob-jects). Between attacks at-tacks the drug in general use for quieting quiet-ing purposes was the bromide drugs. Unfortunately Dr. Barton while the bromides quieted the patient and undoubtedly reduced the number num-ber of attacks, they greatly depressed de-pressed the mental and physical condition con-dition of the patient. It was a great step forward then when the barbital drugs were found to give more freedom free-dom from attacks and the depression depres-sion of spirits was much less than by the use of bromides. However, as some cases of epilepsy epilep-sy require larger doses, it has been found that these patients, though free or nearly free of attacks, are drowsy and depressed, and unable to properly carry on their work. It is not surprising therefore that the drug benzadrine sulfate or amphet-amin amphet-amin sulfate has been suggested to overcome this drowsiness and depression. de-pression. I have mentioned benzedrine sulfate sul-fate frequently. It was first used by students wishing to keep themselves "bright" and free from tiredness during examinations or while studying study-ing for examinations. It is being used with success in the treatment of alcoholism as it not only takes away the desire for alcohol but provides a "stimulant" to overcome depression. In "Diseases of the Nervous System," Sys-tem," Dr. G. Codk states that the drowsiness and depression due to large doses of phenobarbital may be counteracted by benzedrine sulfate. The patient feels better mentally and because he feels better fie avoids convulsions caused by fear, frustration frustra-tion and hidden compulsions or obsessions. ob-sessions. The dose of phenobarbital is gradually increased until all the convulsions are prevented. The benzedrine sulfate is given in large doses preferably during the morning and early afternoon, so as to avoid any tendency to wakefulness wakeful-ness at night. |