Phenytoin and nystagmus
Common Questions and Answers about Phenytoin and nystagmus
dilantin
This reaction is generally confined to the extremities but can affect the trunk and face and may be irreversible. Severe dermatologic reactions to phenytoin are infrequent. Some evidence, however, suggests that erythema multiforme is more likely in patients who undergo radiation therapy while receiving phenytoin.[22]
Lupus-like symptoms have been described for phenytoin. Whether phenytoin administration will exacerbate preexisting idiopathic systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is unclear.
It is slightly painful and very scary but usually only lasts five to ten minutes. I feel nauseous and dizzy and the same time and then for at least an hour after. These started out as once every couple of years and and then one a year. I have not noticed if any seasonal factors play. The last time I was crossing the street with my seven year old and had an attack and it was not safe. I have also had more painful attacks of pins and needles and muscle spasms/cramps in my legs and feet.
During those times I had not yet been diagnosed and was able to go back to life like normal, however after the diagnosis and being on phenytoin and switching to oxcarbazepine i am feeling awful. Dizzy, nauseated, moody, extremely tired, severe headaches that come and go. All i get from my Neurologist is these are side effects that will eventually go away. Because i never know when these symptoms will come on too strong I have missed a lot of days at work during my probation period.
Folic acid supplementation in folate-deficient patients with epilepsy changes the pharmacokinetics of phenytoin, usually leading to lower serum phenytoin concentrations and possible seizure breakthrough..."
It however says that initiation of Folic acid and phenytoin together is beneficial.
Since you can't go back and start all over again, you can take a small dose. It has been observed that as los as 1mg dose can perturb phenytoin’s levels, You may take doses lower than 1mg/day.
I have Congenital nystagmus and tried gabapentin but it seemed to be making the Nystagmus worse.
I started taking bupropion at the same itme, and suspect the bupropion may have interfered with the initial trial of gabapentin. I need the bupropion for the anxiety associated with Nystagmus, but I know it causes blurred vision and convergence problems. Should I even bother to try memantine? Thanks.
Hi everyone,
I'm new to this community.
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.
Unfortunately, there is no permanent cure although symptomatic relief could be provided with steroids, plasmapheresis, interferons and neuro-rehabilitation. For nystagmus, medical treatments like gabapentin and baclofen that can suppress nystagmus are useful. Additionally, injection of botulinum toxin, contact lenses, electrical stimulation over the forehead, and acupuncture to the neck muscles has been reported to reduce nystagmus and improve vision in some patients.
Moban® brand of molindone hydrochloride contains calcium ions which interfere with the absorption of phenytoin. Ingestion times of phenytoin and antacid preparations containing calcium should be staggered in patients with low serum phenytoin levels to prevent absorption problems”. Taken from http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/phenyt_od.htm
Our population is divided into 4 type of metabolizers ranging from rapid to slow metabolizers depending upon the speed of elimination of drug from body.
I have nystagmus and recently had the cataract in my right eye replaced with a trulign IOL lens. I am four days post surgery, and I am concerned because I am seeing a fluttery half moon on the right side of my right eye as if I am seeing the edge of the lens moving in and out. Is this normal, will it stop and was this the right lens for someone with nystagmus?
Acquired Nystagmus (adult onset) which is a strong neurological sign and connected to MS, is an involuntary, rapid and repetitive movement of the eyes and that can cause double vision. Nystagmus can be side-to-side (horizontal nystagmus), up and down (vertical nystagmus) or circular (rotary nystagmus). And like Kyle said its to do with the muscles that control eye movements etc.
I am 27 years old male. My spectacles power is Right Eye: -12.5 with -2.0 & 10 degrees, Left Eye: -10 with -2.0 & 180 degrees. Both eyes nystagmus and right eye amblyopia (Had squint surgery when I was 7).
Having these problems are common or do I need to take any special care for my eyes ? What complications I may have in future with these problems ?
I heard that by using contact lenses I can have better vision. Is this true ?
Thank you for your question, you are relatively fine with Phenytoin and the seizure episodes in a form of lack of speech are the residue of a generalized type seizure. I don’t have a full description of your consciousness during the lack of speech episodes to decide whether this start is a partial epilepsy which can continue in a generalized or it is a generalized one from the first moment..
In the past, I have had issues with some double vision and nystagmus when looking to the right, but I now have something new. When I have had double vision in the past, I would cover one eye to only see "one." I noticed recently that when I cover one eye, the "seeing" eye has nystagmus no matter what direction I look - both sides do the same thing. This has been going on for the past two months.
If you are pregnant your doctor may gradually decrease the dose and stop it and may prescribe an alternative anti seizure medicine which is safe during pregnancy. Sudden withdrawal of antiseizure medication may precipitate seizures in a pregnant woman which can be dangerous for the fetus. Medicines are prescribed during pregnancy only if the benefits outweigh the risks. Your doctor may prescribe you high dose folic acid 4 mg to prevent spinal cord deformities. I sincerely hope it helps.
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