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New Parent trouble with medication
Wed, 04/28/2004 - 21:48Topic: Family & Friends
Hello to All, Myname is Renee and my son is 8 years old and was diognosed with epilepsy in Aug. 2003 which has made our life change greatly. He is currently taking Dilantin 50 mg two tablets twice a day but I have noticed in the pass month that his balance is off. When he trys to run he is falling, if he is walking to fast up or downstairs he falls down the steps or trips, he has even walked into walls. I've addressed may concerns with the doctor and they tell me its not because of the medication or seizures. If he never had the problems before but now does then what else could it be. He is also having some memory loss which also concerns me. I've had his eyes examined and his vision and hearing both checked and both are good. Then I find at times that I have to make him take his medication because he says he is tried of taking it or just does not want to take it anymore. What can I do to help him? I just want him to get some control back in his life.
Comments
RE: New Parent trouble with medication
Submitted by seeker2 on Tue, 2004-04-20 - 09:55
Med buildups can cause all sorts of troubles.High med levels bring problems.I read that many people think getting them checked are not worth the bother,but in this case it might be wise to do so.I'm sorry that this is happening to your son,I hope that you get more replies.There are a few mother's in this forum who maybe could help you ?Dilantin is well known for causing dental problems and advice is always given regarding seeing your dentist on a regular basis whilst on it." Nervous System: The most common manifestations encountered with phenytoin therapy are referable to this system and are usually dose-related. These include nystagmus, ataxia, slurred speech, decreased coordination and mental confusion. Dizziness, insomnia, transient nervousness, motor twitchings, and headache have also been observed."http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/phenyt_ad.htm
RE: New Parent trouble with medication
Submitted by shannon10 on Wed, 2004-04-28 - 20:40
My 8 yr old son has frontal lobe epilepsy and takes Trileptal for it, he does wonderful on it and it has extremely minor side effects...the only one he has is that he is a little tired about an hr after taking it. Has your son had a CT scan or MRI of his brain? i would definitely request the dr to get that done if they havent already and i would get it done really soon. hope all works out.
RE: New Parent trouble with medication
Submitted by e_nuffofthis on Fri, 2004-04-16 - 10:11
This COULD happen after a med building up in his system after a few months. I would question your doctor/get another opinion... First off I would ask: Why Dilantin? This drug can be causing the cognitive/memory problems. It is well documented. and Why was this his med choice for an 8 yo? There are others that he could try. You have to educate yourself in this area of medications. You have to know what type of seizures he is having and then you can research the types of meds available and the side effects associated with them. Unfortunately, they all have side effects, but if something is disturbing his balance, it is absolutely not acceptable. You need to rule out the medication and the only way is by changing/lowering the dose. If he is 100 percent controlled, I would have his level done and maybe by reducing it a bit it may help. It may be too much for him. You have to put your foot down with these docs. Some just blow you off.