Community Forum Archive

The Epilepsy Community Forums are closed, and the information is archived. The content in this section may not be current or apply to all situations. In addition, forum questions and responses include information and content that has been generated by epilepsy community members. This content is not moderated. The information on these pages should not be substituted for medical advice from a healthcare provider. Experiences with epilepsy can vary greatly on an individual basis. Please contact your doctor or medical team if you have any questions about your situation. For more information, learn about epilepsy or visit our resources section.

Adding Lamictal while taking Dilantin

Sat, 09/23/2006 - 09:41
I have been on Dilantin for 33+ years. My seizures have greatly increased in frequency. I am thankful, based on what many of you share on this site, that my seizures have been relatively infrequent. I have gone as long as 10 years without one. However, since turning 52, they have increased to one every three to four months. I went to a seizure specialist for the first time in my life. He is putting me on Lamictal with the plan of getting it regulated and then gradually removing the Dilantin. Has anyone gone through this before? If so, how was the transition. My research indicates it can be tricky. Thanks, Woody

Comments

Re: Adding Lamictal while taking Dilantin

Submitted by scorpio on Sat, 2006-09-23 - 14:16
Just be aware that Dilantin (Phenytoin) reduces the effectiveness of many drugs taken alongside it and so, in your case, you will need to take a larger daily doseage of the Lamictal than you might otherwise have without the Dilantin. I only needed 200mg/d of Lamictal on its own to control my epi whereas, when I was taking the Phenytoin/Dilantin(400mg/d) with it, I needed 400mg/d of it to have the same effect. Chris

Re: Re: Adding Lamictal while taking Dilantin

Submitted by woodycoggin on Sun, 2006-09-24 - 07:13
Perla78, if you catch this, please reply also. Scorpio, how did you get your Lamictal dosage determined? Scorpio and Perla78, what was your seizure frequency before starting Lamictal? Did you have any problems coming off of Dilantin? Finally, what level of seizure frequency are you considering a controlled level, Scorpio? I'm sorry to have so many questions. The doctor I saw last week is moving so I need to be as informed as possible through this process. Thanks, Woody

Re: Re: Re: Adding Lamictal while taking Dilantin

Submitted by Perla78 on Sat, 2006-09-30 - 03:25
Hi Woody, My doc started increasing and decreasing my meds very slowly, Week 1- Lamictal 25 mg AM , 25 mg PM Dilantin 200 mg PM Week 2- Lamictal 50 mg AM , 50 mg PM Dilantin 200 mg PM Week 3- Lamictal 50 mg AM , 75 mg PM Dilantin 200 mg PM Week 4- Lamictal 75 mg AM , 75 mg PM Dilantin 100 mg PM Week 5- Lamictal 100 mg AM , 100 mg PM Dilantin 100 mg PM Week 6- Lamictal 100 mg AM , 100 mg PM Dilantin 0 mg Now, I'm taking 125 mg morning and eve Lamictal only ,and still increasing my dosage, have to go back to my doc in a couple months.I'm free seizures so far. However I have had some side-effects ( occasional headaches, insomnia ) but feel much better being on Lamictal.!!!!! Perla

Sign Up for Emails

Stay up to date with the latest epilepsy news, stories from the community, and more.