New to Dilantin and concerned

Do not take any calcium within 2 hours of your does. Dairy affects the absorption. 

Hi Rita, I have been on Dilantin for over 10 years. It is the one and only seizure medication that I have been on. I can tell you that for me personally, I dont have too many side effects from Dilantin. Most of them I am so used to, so I dont recall them all. I would suggest Dilantin to anyone. Its done wonders for me. It does take a while to get your Dilantin Blood Level correct, and in doing so, you will feel "off". It took me a couple mths (if not longer) to get it level and get my body used to it. In the mean time, I would experience some light headedness, being tired, anxious, nervous, jittery etc.. What seemed to work well for me, while trying to get the right dose, was eat often. I would take slices of cheese, crackers, grapes, sandwich bites, to work, and I would eat something small every 2 hours. It seemed to lessen all those weird feelings I was getting. When my Dilantin level is low, I get bad headaches, upset stomache, my hands shake, sometimes my vision gets blurred, but once I take an extra pill or two, I feel better almost immediately. But that is something that works for me and I would not suggest you take extra pills without talking to your Dr. After being on Dilantin for so long, I know when my body needs something. Its something you will get used to in time. I have found that if you miss meals, your hands will shake. I used to get upset about it, but now I use it as my "time to eat" sign. :) But I would strongly suggest giving Dilantin a try. The only long term side effect that I have is being tired and some days I have no energy what so ever. Other than that, I pretty much go about my day normally. I hope this information has helped you and I wish you all the best. Keep me posted! Shelley