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Dilantin 30 Mg capsules
Sat, 01/15/2011 - 00:45Topic: Medication Issues
Has anyone else changed from the older Dilantin Kapseals ( white with band in middle) to the newer Dilantin capsules, either the 100 mg or 30 mg capsule? Did you have any side effects or increase in seizures after the change? Did you take precautions like avoiding driving after the switch, frequent blood monitoring? If so, for how long? I have taken Dilantin for 20 years. It was prescribed after I had a focal seizure. I also had a grand mal seizure as a child and untreated seizures as an infant. When the 100 mg Kapseals were no longer available I switched to the 30 mg Kapseals and have been taking seven each night. Now those are no longer available and I must switch to the newer 30 mg capsule ( half pink, half white) soon. I am very scared because I read that it might be absorbed differently causing seizures. I have not had a seizure since starting Dilantin and I drive everyday. I would love to hear from others what their experience has been, both good and bad. Thank you.
Comments
Re: Dilantin 30 Mg capsules
Submitted by Joanne J on Sun, 2011-01-16 - 13:51
Hi emva 01, I am glad to hear that you have not had any problems with the "newer" Dilantin. It is reassuring to find out that some are doing well since the change. Joanne
Re: Dilantin 30 Mg capsules
Submitted by Joanne J on Sun, 2011-01-16 - 13:45
Hi Tadzio, Some of the symptoms you described are similar to those I have experienced several times over the past 3 months and attributed to a Dilantin leval that was too low. One episode was after a stressful day during which I had not drank enough liquids. The other episodes were at work in the late afternoon or early evening hours. I felt shaky, very apprehensive, spaced out. During one episode I had tremors in my left leg. One evening at home I woke up from a nap feeling so shaky that I yelled and woke a family member and asked her to sit with me until I felt better. At that time I did not know that both too high and too low Dilantin levals could cause symptoms. I also went through a two week period of just feeling more anxious , having palpitations at night. It coincided with a new refill of Dilantin and seemed to end when I obtained the next refill. I have heard that Dilantin is a medication with a narrow therapeutic margin. Hope you are well. Joanne
Re: Dilantin 30 Mg capsules
Submitted by emva01 on Sun, 2011-01-16 - 11:06
I have been on 300 mg Dilantin for close to 14 years, my levels are always between 9 and 11. I have not had a sz since starting dilantin. The "new" Dilantin is "new" b/c the capsule changed ( orange band in the middle to half orange half white) as you know, nothing else. This information is from the FDA.