Question 1

my dilantin medication is cause swelling in my gums. are there any home remedies to alleviate the swelling?

Accepted Answer

Probably not: Gingival hyperplasia is a listed side effect of dilantin. I would think that the only way out of this is if you can be switched to another class of antiepileptic that does not have this side effect. Of course such a switch depends on your type of seizure and if there is a suitable alternative.

Question 2

is dilantin still one of the best drugs to treat seizures?

Accepted Answer

Dilantin: Dilantin is a good medication for seizures.  There are newer medications that may have fewer side effects.  However, if you have been taking Dilantin for years and your seizures are controlled, I am of the opinion "if it a'int broke don't fix it."

Question 3

does the drug dilantin cause ataxia? how long till it can affect you?

Accepted Answer

: Ataxia is a common side effect of this drug, more often seen at higher doses. The time it takes for 1/2 the drug to leave your system (half life) varies  from 7 hrs to a day or so. It takes 4 half lives to leave the system. It may not have that side effect at lower blood levels. Do not stop any seizure med without consulting your personal doc.

Question 4

does your body have any clue if you tapper off dilantin slowly like going from 400mg to 300mg for a month and so on ?

Accepted Answer

Yes body knows/respo: Dilantin is prescribed for control of seizures.Too much can cause side effects and body knows when it is too much as blood level goes up body responds with side effects.Same holds true when you take too little, seizures are not controllled.That is the reason to keep the blood level in threpeutic range.So if you are tapering for a reason, your body knows as level falls.

Question 5

what is a good med for triligimal neurgia ? i was on triliple it deleped my solium. i'm on gabintin 4200 dailey &400 dilantin  daily. dilantin is  lev

Accepted Answer

Trigeminal neuralgia: The drugs of choice for tn are tegretal, trileptal, dilantin, Gabapentin and sometimes baclofen.

Question 6

how low can dilantin still be ok?

Accepted Answer

Therapeutic range: When Dilantin is used for epilepsy, we try to keep patients within a range between 10 and 20.  Below 10, you might still have some benefit, but as the level drops down to 5 or below, unlikely, that your meds will be very protective.  Wise to stay in therapy window.

Question 7

can dilantin be taken by snorting it?

Accepted Answer

Please don't: Dilantin is difficult to take by conventional method.  It is extremely irritating if infiltrated into the skin or injected into a vein and is poorly absorbed in any setting.  Snorting it will probably produce a severe irritation that will cause more problem without benefit.

Question 8

what is the therapeutic range of dilantin?

Accepted Answer

Typical values: The so-called therapeutic level is but a guideline, and some patients may do better outside the usual range, but typically best between 10-20, with higher more toxicity and lower, perhaps less potency.

Question 9

can a person person take too much dilantin?

Accepted Answer

Definitely: Dilantin is an anti-epilepsy drug which was developed over 75 yrs ago, and has many potential problems.  Due to metabolism, drug levels can easily rise with weight loss, dosage adjustment, and drug interactions.  If toxic, the drug can cause dizziness, imbalance, falling, and incoordination.  Long-term usage has been reported to cause problems with brain and periph nerves.

Question 10

what is the sytpmons of toxin city from dilantin ?

Accepted Answer

Many: Loss of balance and incoordination, intention tremors of arms and legs, possible nausea and anorexia, perhaps dizziness, and falling.  A blood test will reveal the Dilantin level and pinpoint the problem.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Dilantin medication

A member asked:

My dilantin medication is cause swelling in my gums. are there any home remedies to alleviate the swelling?

A member asked:

Is dilantin still one of the best drugs to treat seizures?

A member asked:

Does the drug dilantin cause ataxia? how long till it can affect you?

A member asked:

Does your body have any clue if you tapper off dilantin slowly like going from 400mg to 300mg for a month and so on ?

A member asked:

What is a good med for triligimal neurgia ? i was on triliple it deleped my solium. i'm on gabintin 4200 dailey &400 dilantin daily. dilantin is lev

A member asked:

How low can dilantin still be ok?

A member asked:

Can dilantin be taken by snorting it?

A member asked:

What is the therapeutic range of dilantin?

A member asked:

Can a person person take too much dilantin?

A member asked:

What is the sytpmons of toxin city from dilantin ?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?