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Second Opinion On Dr's Advice

Sat, 12/08/2012 - 16:55

I have been on 200 mg's of Dilantin for nine years. It is not working as well as it once had particularly with my SP seizures. The neurologist has recommended a switch to Tegretol. 

She has not advised weaning off the Dilantin. She basically told me to stop taking Dilantin and substitute with Tegretol. She says I will not experience any Dilantin withdrawal but I am not so sure.

My epileptolgist, it out of the office so I cannot run this by him. I do not want to begin this "cold turkey" method without the go ahead from another doctor.

 

Has anyone else stopped one drug and started another this abruptly? If so please share your experiences.

 

Thank You


 

Comments

Re: Second Opinion On Dr's Advice

Submitted by tcameron on Sat, 2012-12-08 - 18:24

Don't stop any AED cold turkey!  It could cause status epilepticus, a nonstop seizure that can be fatal.  200 mg of Dilantin isn't an extremely strong dose.  I take 360mg/ day.  As far as taking the two together:  I did it for several years with no problems.

If you can't contact your regular epileptologist, isn't there an "On Call" neurologist you can contact?

Don't stop any AED cold turkey!  It could cause status epilepticus, a nonstop seizure that can be fatal.  200 mg of Dilantin isn't an extremely strong dose.  I take 360mg/ day.  As far as taking the two together:  I did it for several years with no problems.

If you can't contact your regular epileptologist, isn't there an "On Call" neurologist you can contact?

Re: Second Opinion On Dr's Advice

Submitted by Jennifer01 on Sun, 2012-12-09 - 09:15

Thank you. I will be waiting to speak with my  epileptologist.

I am trusting my gut on this one...it has never lead me in the wrong direction. I wish I could say the same for doctors :)

Thank you. I will be waiting to speak with my  epileptologist.

I am trusting my gut on this one...it has never lead me in the wrong direction. I wish I could say the same for doctors :)

Re: Second Opinion On Dr's Advice

Submitted by junkyarddog71 on Mon, 2012-12-10 - 00:22
200mg is a low dose of dilantin.... I was on 300mg when I was younger and slowly weaned off of it after about 4 years and was started on it again in october after I started having them again.... was on 300mg to start and now I take 800mg.... I would not quit cold turkey.... I would consult with a different doctor or a neurologist that specializes in epilepsy

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