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New to Dilantin and concerned
Tue, 08/01/2006 - 16:14Topic: Medication Issues
Hi All, I have been on 2500mg Keppra and recently I saw an Epileptologist. With my TLE not under control and bad side effects of Keppra he decided to change me to Dilantin and reduce/eliminate the Keppra once blood tests were up to theraputic levels. He himself has done research on Keppra and believes that Dilantin may be a good choice for me. I am very concerned because of what I have read about Dilantin. So far I am on 300mgs and little or no side effects except being tired a lot(seizures are reduced by 70% but still there. After blood test, my level was really low. On a positive note, the Dilantin immediately helped with the emotional side effects of Keppra.I would really appreciate any advice with anyone on Dilantin since all I have read about it, is quite unnerving? Thanks for any thoughts, Rita
Comments
Re: New to Dilantin and concerned
Submitted by sandy4917 on Thu, 2006-08-17 - 11:27
Rita,
Dilantin has been the only med I've taken for the last 25yrs. It contolled my seizures and I had no side effects until now. I'm 36 and in the process of switching to Lamictal because of bone loss(Osteoperosis) due to the Dilantin. Also, I have a ton more energy with Lamictal. Not sure if the energy boost is from the Lamictal or lack of Dilantin. Every med has its share of side efx. The upside of Dilantin is it's realtivly inexpensive.If it were not for the bone loss I'd still take it. Good Luck Sandy
Re: Re: New to Dilantin and concerned
Submitted by boudica on Wed, 2006-08-30 - 19:41
Hi,
I just started Dilantin for the second time in my life, along with Keppra and Lyrica after having SE. Before that, I was on Neurontin and Lamictal, which wasn't helping.
The Dilantin seems to be helping, but I developed right away neuropathic foot pain (which is why I started Lyrica) which was horrible, it was so bad that I couldn't sleep. Anyone else have that? Has anyone heard of drug-induced arthritis or lupus?
Re: Re: New to Dilantin and concerned
Submitted by Colina on Mon, 2006-08-14 - 11:10
Hi CB. Sorry to hear about your med troubles, hope things work out better soon. I wanted to respond to this because of my experience with keppra. So many of us have been through many med changes and it is frustrating finding the correct one for each individual. Yes there have been alot of negative responses about keppra here but there have also been positives. In Dec 05 I was changed to lamictal and keppra rather than epival, lamictal and clobazam. It has turned out to be the best med ever for me. I never realized how aweful the other ones were making me feel emotionaly, mentaly, physicaly in all ways.Also they did'nt control my seizures. It took about 2 months to completely feel the change. My side effects were a bit of nausea,sleeplessness and occasionaly a grump. Those are all gone now and i have'nt felt this good for many many years. My family and friends are constantly suprised in the difference all round with me. It is so nice not to need an incredible amount of sleep, I get a normal 8 hours now. Memory, speech,energy,emotions(happy!) and clear headedness are wonderful. I no longer look like a stumbling drunk either. I could go on and on but the I wanted you to know that there is positive results with keppra just as there is with other types for other people. It is important to remember that any change needs time. I also believe that while i was starting new med program that I may have gone through a bit of withdrawal from the old ones. To show the difference, dilantin was one of my worst meds. Hope this helps a bit and that others who have had good experiences with keppra will respond aswell. Smiles!