side effects of dilantin in the elderly

Thanks for your reply. There are so many side effects from so many of the drugs that I wondered if the cough could be one of them. I guess it is just a coincidence. Have you been seizure free since you are on dilantin? His seizures were so violent (he broke a bone in his back caused by the seizure) that it really scares me. He has been fine now but I am the one listening to every noise and not being able to relax.

My neurologist just informed me that Osteoporosis and shrinkage of the Cerebellum are very serious side effects for long term users of Dilantin. Does anyone know more about this? I've been taking 500mg of Dilantin for over 30 years since I was a teenager, and now I'm terribly worried. Not one of the neurologists had mentioned anything about this over the years, and now at 46, I've learned that I may have severe osteoporosis.

t possibly cause these side effects (I looked it up only after about the 4th day on it and these are known side effects, but from much higher doses). So I'm wondering if it could be because of my other meds that this small amount is causing side effects? I just feel dumb saying I think it's causing all this when the dose is so small. Anyone else experience anything like this with tegretol? Should I give it more time?

MY DEPRESSION IS NOW GONE, BUT RIGHT NOW I AM IN A MESS BECAUSE I HAVE SLOWLY BEEN TAPERING MYSELF OF THE CLONZEPAN AT THE RATE OF 1/2 TAB PER MONTH. I HAVE BEEN ON THIS TERRIBLE DRUG SINCE 1989, WHEN I HAD A NERVOUS BREAKDOWN. RIGHT NOW I HAVE STOPPED TAPERING MYSELF OFF OF ANY OTHER MEDICATION OTHER THAN THIS DILANTIN, BECAUSE I KNOW I CAN HAVE SEIZURES. ARE YOU CERTAIN THIS DILANTIN WOULD NOT CAUSE THESE OTHER SIDE EFFECTS GIVEN WHAT YOU NOW KNOW I HAVE JUST TOLD YOU?

My doctor wanted me to start with the Dilantin first, but then I read that bone-thinning and excess facial hair can be the some of the side effects. (So, I'm going with Tegretol.) I had no idea about the risk of leukemia! Are you okay?

I think Jaybay just gave you great advice. Lots of elderly have different side effects than the more common ones. Medications can easily interact and sometimes medications that have been fine for a long time all of a sudden aren't. A gerentologist probably is the best place to look for answers. When my mom was alive, we had a few kinks with her medications.

I have nerve pain in my face and just pain in my face, what would be the other options I can talk to the dr about today? Would another pill from that line of pills be the same? I am going to talk to him about treatment of the other pain in my face if he don't want to then send me to a pain specialist that can treat all the pain.

My husband has is dilantin very low and I was wondering if he can increase his medication to 200 mg.I was also wondering why does that keep happening and what is the side effects for the dilantin.

Thanks very much for your comment. That is what I thought. After 11 years on dilantin after the one fit, as drs said be on it infinatum, I had a second stroke- no speech. I had to get my medical records from our local hospital, and they show that at that time the dilantin level was only 2, was on 230mg a day. 9 years later, I was finishing my PhD, and felt as though might have another stroke, visual and other problems.

Her neurologist was baffled at the less than stellar results from the Depakote. Upon examination of the actual medicine and a short consultation with the pharmacy, it was discovered that the Depakote was actually just generic divalproex sodium. The neurologist ordered the prescription to be filled with the actual Depakote brand, and my granddaughter responded much better. The neurologist has seen this before and is convinced that the brand drug is of a higher quality than the generic form.

If you were my patient, I would advise you that you are probably suffering from a side effect of Dilantin, of aging and also of being American. All of these will make it more difficult for you to lose or maintain weight.

Well if it is a sudden change check your neurologist before thinking it's your meds...but gosh!

Is it working? Does it make you sleepy? Side effects? How much do you take? Do you like it? Was it the first one you tried? Did you have to try many to find one that you liked?

Peggy - I have had trouble with Dilantin since September. Horrible side effects that progressively got worse. The I tired going onto the 30 mg kapseals. Still I don't feel right and I am not going to continue like this; if I can help it. Thyroid hormones (including levothyroxine): Phenytoin may alter the metabolism of thyroid hormones, reducing its effect; there is limited documentation of this interaction, but monitoring should be considered. AR-10 I am on 100mcg Levothyroxine sodium.

And now is going to put me on lamictil (not happy about this) because of some of the serious side effects. Also, some of the symptoms I have, I had before I was placed on Dilantin, and he just ignored that. Keeps wanting to blame everyone of my symptoms on the Dilantin Therapy. I called my primary care physician office and asked them to get me a referral to the MSU neurology clinic.

how well has keppra worked controling your seizures and what side effects do you have? has the keppra helped your mood and stress level? has the keppra helped you lose weight and how long did it take you to get use to the med? thanks for all your help .

Hi, I was on Dilantin for a few years (have had epilepsy for 16 years, been on lots of meds), and I must say, it is unfortunately one of the more difficult meds in terms of keep a constant blood level. What dose are you on currently? If you are on 400 or 500mg, you should will have a more "dependable" blood serum level--at least the medication level will stay within an acceptable range, but dilantin can have many unpleasant side effects, especially at 500mg.

and now Lamictal, for the past two years. Of all the many meds I have taken, Lamictal has produced the least side effects. No sleepiness, no weight gain, ( that I can attribute to my meds anyway..ahem) and no englargement of the gums. In short I would say from my personal experience it's the best anti-seizure med out there. I only take 200mg a day, so it may be different for others who take a higher or lower dosage. Hope this gave a little insight.

I have researched and spoken with my doctor about it and was told that after taking Dilantin for so long the liver, for the lack of a better way of describing it, builds up a tolerance to the medication and hypermetabolize it. This causes a low level but is often blamed on non-compliance. I guess the solution is to change the medication regimen to something easier on the liver.

The medications used to control seizures can cause side effects like the ones you describe. I would recommend consulting your Neurologist. Together, you and your Neurologist can weigh the pros and cons of taking Dilantin or possibly another medication.

Pain Shooting under eyes One side of face over top lip under botom lip same side . hurts in the region of the DOG tooth if you grind on them the paion may subside momentarily or the moler next to it the pain will subside for a minute or so .... YOU have no MRI oe CT viewable injuries ILL stick my neck out and its valuabe and SAY you have the startof TRI GEMINAL NEURALGIA THis is and not to frighten you the worst pain known to mankind .

Hi Jerry, I am taking the new dilantin. I have done my research, and (unfortunately) know about all the problems some people are having with it. I take 300mg. per day, and since I had about a 2-month supply of the old dilantin, I "phased-in" the new pills. I took 2 old, and 1 new for about a month, then 2 new and 1 old, and am now on 3 new dilantin 100mg. every day. I have been on this for about 2 weeks, and I have not had any problem at all.

He is under the drug Dilantin. How does the Archnoid Cyst effects his life. Is there any dangerous, any loss in memory, or growth or something like so. Please provide the answer?

constipation; dizziness; headache; mild nervousness; nausea; trouble sleeping; or vomiting. (this link may be helpful: http://www.rxlist.com/dilantin-drug.htm). I hope this helps. Take care and do keep us posted.

Side effects of dilantin in the elderly

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