Thinking about discontinuing Dilantin

Good morning all. I started having grand mal seizures when I was around 16 years old. About 5 years later, when I was about 21, I was diagnosed with "General Seizure Disorder" and started taking Dilantin daily. I am 45 years old now.

I have been been suffering from depression and low sex drive for many years without really realizing it. I believe strongly that these contributed to my divorce and breakups with two girlfriends over the last ten years. I've been to multiple therapists over the last few years; recently one of them questioned the effects of Dilantin. Subsequently I had a full blood workup and discovered that my Vitamin D levels were off-the-chart low. I have been taking a high dose of Vitamin D for about a year and it has helped improve lethargy and mood quite a bit. But the depression and lack of motivation persist. Testosterone levels were slightly low but not abnormal and the GP did not recommend any testosterone treatment; what she did remark on was that the Dilantin levels in my blood seemed high to her, but she told me to consult with my neurologist. I did so, and he said that the levels were within acceptable range. And so we have not changed anything at this point.

Another odd side effect I have is when I miss a dose or two of Dilantin; my eras start ringing, quite often painfully. I feel a pressure in my ears and I can actually feel and hear my eardrums fluttering rapidly. As soon as I take a dose, the problem subsides. I have had several auditory examinations over the years, one just this summer, and nothing unusual could be found. I was on the Dilantin with no missed doses at the time of these exams. I've mentioned this side effect to my neurologist many times over the years and he's always repeated that Dilantin can have pain-masking properties so something could be going on with my ears - hence the auditory tests, which revealed nothing - but he's never heard of anyone else with this particular side effect.

Since being on the Dilantin I have had two, maybe three grand mal seizures in the last ten years, the most recent being this past February. So I believe that in that regard, it has helped me. However, I am extremely tired of living with these side effects. I am thinking about discontinuing it on my own and attempting to manage it with diet, exercise, and rest. I have a few questions for some of you who have been on Dilantin:

1. Have you ever been re-evaluated or re-examined by another neurologist for reassessment of your condition? My GP recommended it but my neurologist seemed resistant to conducting tests again. I've just recently relocated and am thinking about finding a new neurologist and getting re-tested.

2. Have any of you stopped taking Dilantin, either on your own or with a doctor's consent? If you have, did you switch to another medication or did you discontinue all medications?

3. Has anyone who switched or discontinued medication seen any improvement or recovery from these or any other side effects? 

Thank you all for your assistance and input. I wish you all the best in your struggles with this condition.

Peter