People who switch from brand-name Dilantin to generic phenytoin possibly risk having more seizures or side effects during the changeover, because the body does not absorb the different types in the same way.

What is a common side effect of Dilantin?

Headache, nausea, vomiting, constipation, dizziness, feeling of spinning, drowsiness, trouble sleeping, or nervousness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Phenytoin may cause swelling and bleeding of the gums.

What happens if you take Dilantin and don't need it?

If you don't take it at all or stop taking it: Stopping this drug suddenly or not taking it at all may cause serious problems, including having more seizures or seizures that don't stop. If you skip or miss doses: If you skip or miss a dose of this drug, you increase your risk of having seizures.

How safe is Dilantin?

DILANTIN may cause other serious side effects including:

Liver problems. Low blood count which could increase your chance of getting infections, bruising, bleeding and increased fatigue. Softening of your bones (osteopenia, osteoporosis, and osteomalacia) can cause your bones to break (fractures).

Is Dilantin good for seizures?

Dilantin (phenytoin) is an anti-epileptic drug, also called an anticonvulsant. It works by slowing down impulses in the brain that cause seizures. Dilantin is used to control seizures. Phenytoin does not treat all types of seizures, and your doctor will determine if it is the right medicine for you.

When Can I Stop Epilepsy Medication? Part 1

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Can you have seizures for no reason?

Anything that interrupts the normal connections between nerve cells in the brain can cause a seizure. This includes a high fever, high or low blood sugar, alcohol or drug withdrawal, or a brain concussion. But when a person has 2 or more seizures with no known cause, this is diagnosed as epilepsy.

What is an alternative to Dilantin?

Phenytoin (Dilantin) and a newer agent, valproic acid (Depakene), are compared as alternatives in seizure control.

Does Dilantin cause brain damage?

For decades, Dilantin has been associated with cerebellar atrophy or degeneration, a type of brain damage caused by the deterioration of neurons (nerve cells) in the cerebellum (the area of the brain that controls balance and muscle coordination).

What are the usual signs of acute phenytoin toxicity?

Unsteady gait, dizziness/vertigo, nausea/vomiting, general weakness, and drowsiness were the most common presenting symptoms.

Who should not take phenytoin?

You should not use phenytoin if you are allergic to it, or if you have ever had: Tell your doctor if you have ever had: Some people have thoughts about suicide while taking phenytoin. Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits.

Are seizures?

A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain. It can cause changes in your behavior, movements or feelings, and in levels of consciousness. Having two or more seizures at least 24 hours apart that aren't brought on by an identifiable cause is generally considered to be epilepsy.

Why phenytoin is contraindicated in absence seizures?

Similarly, oxcarbazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, gabapentin, and pregabalin should not be used in the treatment of absence seizures because these medications may worsen absence seizures.

How long does it take to get Dilantin out of your system?

The plasma half-life in man after oral administration of phenytoin averages 22 hours, with a range of 7 to 42 hours. Steady-state therapeutic levels are achieved at least 7 to 10 days (5–7 half- lives) after initiation of therapy with recommended doses of 300 mg/day.

What happens if your Dilantin levels are too high?

What is Dilantin toxicity? Dilantin, or phenytoin, toxicity happens when you have high levels of Dilantin in your body that become harmful. Dilantin is a medicine that is used to prevent and treat seizures. Dilantin toxicity can lead to a coma.

What are the most common drug drug interactions with phenytoin?

Most frequently checked interactions

• Acetylsalicylic Acid (aspirin)
• Advair Diskus (fluticasone / salmeterol)
• Aspirin Low Strength (aspirin)
• Combivent (albuterol / ipratropium)
• Coumadin (warfarin)
• Keppra (levetiracetam)
• Lasix (furosemide)
• Lipitor (atorvastatin)

What are the adverse effects of phenytoin?

Common side effects

• headaches.
• feeling drowsy, sleepy or dizzy.
• feeling nervous, unsteady or shaky.
• feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting)
• constipation.
• sore or swollen gums.
• mild skin rash.

What is a good Dilantin level?

The therapeutic range is 10-20 mcg/mL. Total phenytoin levels (mcg/mL) and typical corresponding signs and symptoms are as follows: Lower than 10 - Rare. Between 10 and 20 - Occasional mild nystagmus.

How often should Dilantin levels be checked?

A level can be taken 2-4 hours following an IV loading or top-up dose (12-24 hours for oral doses) and levels should then be monitored every 24 hours until control is achieved and concentration has stabilised.

Is phenytoin a high risk medication?

The high-alert medications were: amiodarone, digoxin, dopamine, epinephrine, fentanyl, gentamycin, heparine, insulin, morphine, norepinephrine, phenytoin, potassium, propofol and tacrolimus.

Is there a lawsuit on Dilantin?

The lawsuit is ongoing. Pfizer has previously settled several lawsuits brought by those who took Dilantin and developed rare skin diseases, including a $3.7 million settlement after the death of a nine-year-old girl who developed Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) after ingesting the drug.

Is Keppra the same as Dilantin?

Are Keppra and Dilantin the Same Thing? Dilantin (phenytoin) and Keppra (levetiracetam) are anti-epileptic drugs (anticonvulsants) used to control seizures. Side effects of Dilantin and Keppra that are similar include dizziness, drowsiness, and nervousness.

What can replace phenytoin?

Most patients will need to stop taking phenytoin and replace it with a different antiepileptic medication.
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Phenytoin will lower the blood levels of other AEDs:

• carbamazepine.
• clonazepam.
• lamotrigine.
• oxcarbazepine.
• tiagabine.
• topiramate.
• valproate.
• zonisamide.

What can provoke a seizure?

Here are some of the seizure triggers that have been reported by people with epilepsy:

• Not taking epilepsy medicine as prescribed.
• Feeling tired and not sleeping well.
• Stress.
• Alcohol and recreational drugs.
• Flashing or flickering lights.
• Monthly periods.
• Missing meals.
• Having an illness which causes a high temperature.

Can stress bring on a seizure?

Stress, anxiety, and other mood disorders can trigger seizures, but these are fairly common among people with epilepsy. If you are frequently stressed, talk to your physician or a mental health professional to see if you have a treatable mood disorder or to discuss ways to lower your stress levels.

Can you fight off a seizure?

In cases where the aura is a smell, some people are able to fight off seizures by sniffing a strong odor, such as garlic or roses. When the preliminary signs include depression, irritability, or headache, an extra dose of medication (with a doctor's approval) may help prevent an attack.