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.

Is Dilantin making me worse?

Thu, 07/14/2005 - 15:21
Topic: Medication Issues
Hi all,I am on 300 mg on odd days and 400 mg on even of Dilantin. I know that it is a "baby-dosage", but I swear, ever since I started Dilantin, my seizures have become worse. Has anyone else experienced this? I feel like I am in a constant absence seizure (but that could also be from the med), but I know when I actually have one (or when someone tells me so). I've been having more atonic and complex partial since I began the med as well. I know the dr. has my best interest at heart, but last time I was there, he was talking about increasing the dosage if I was still having seizures! Then again, he thinks I am a good candidate for VNS...This is truly freaking me out. I have been on most of the anti-seizure meds because I was initially diagnosed as bipolar, and none seemed to have an effect (except Klonopin...I'm also taking 4 mg a day of that and it calms me). I've gone from a "normal" working person, to someone who is almost terrified of leaving the house...my husband has to take me to the doctors and whatnot because my license was suspended...waiting for disability to kick in...the whole nine yards.I appreciate your feedback!Thanks,Stephanie

Comments

RE: RE: RE: RE: RE: Is Dilantin making me worse?

Submitted by yannie44 on Thu, 2005-08-18 - 23:31

Hi,

I think Dilantin levels in Australia are similar to Canada. I just checked an old hosp. report and when Niko was toxic on Dilantin his level on admission to ER was... Phenytoin 178 (11 May 2003 Sunday) It took until Thurs for his levels to drop to 84.

He had multiple tonic-clonic seizures for 3 days in the hosp. Was a very sick boy.

He had been on Dilantin 300mg daily since 8 March 2003.

 

Hi,

I think Dilantin levels in Australia are similar to Canada. I just checked an old hosp. report and when Niko was toxic on Dilantin his level on admission to ER was... Phenytoin 178 (11 May 2003 Sunday) It took until Thurs for his levels to drop to 84.

He had multiple tonic-clonic seizures for 3 days in the hosp. Was a very sick boy.

He had been on Dilantin 300mg daily since 8 March 2003.

 

RE: RE: RE: RE: RE: Is Dilantin making me worse?

Submitted by mibaro on Mon, 2005-08-22 - 11:26

I was on Dilantin for a few years, and it really doped me up. My parents said I was lathargic, and looked like I had no energy (and that's hard to do to a teenager). Dilantin was also very bad for my gums, and teeth.

I was switched to 300mg Tegretol, and 10 mg novo-clobazam. It worked fine for a few years, but I am now feeling dopy again. I think it is because I am older now, and my body chemistry has changed.

 

Michael

 

I was on Dilantin for a few years, and it really doped me up. My parents said I was lathargic, and looked like I had no energy (and that's hard to do to a teenager). Dilantin was also very bad for my gums, and teeth.

I was switched to 300mg Tegretol, and 10 mg novo-clobazam. It worked fine for a few years, but I am now feeling dopy again. I think it is because I am older now, and my body chemistry has changed.

 

Michael

 

RE: Is Dilantin making me worse?

Submitted by js2rt on Sat, 2005-08-20 - 15:37
Hi,My husband was on Dilantin and his white blood count dropped so low they thought he had cancer. Come to find out it was just not a good choice for him. He was very lethargic. Now he is on Keppera that is causing drastic weight lose. He is very moody, not motivated and is having short term memory lose. He is becoming very depressed due to the fact he can not find work. I swear, we can't seem to find the right combination for him. Good luck to you.

Sign Up for Emails

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

Subscribe