Question 1

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 2

does your body have any clue if you tapper off dilantin slowly like going from 400mg to 300mg for a month my level is always only 3.5 14 year seiz fre?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Being seizures free for 14 years is reassuring , but if your eeg still show epileptic discharges you are at risk--level of 3, 5 is low and will get lower if you decrease your dose , but that does not mean, it is not working  meaning protecting you from seizures--
only your neurologist who know about all your seizures and studies, can assess your risk--just dont decrease the dose on your own--.

Question 3

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 4

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 5

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 6

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 7

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.

Question 8

my dilantin levels are down to 24 should i still be concern ?

Accepted Answer

Dilantin: You need to find out what the normal lab levels are for Dilantin as it can vary. In my hospital 10 to 20 is normal so by their scale you would be above the normal maintenance level - the md prescribing the Dilantin should be easily able to answer your query.

Question 9

what causes dilantin levels to stay low if meds are being taking?

Accepted Answer

Metabolism: Some people metabolize medications differently, so levels will be tested for and the medications can be adjusted to confirm therapeutic levels are achievable for treatment.  Best wishes.

Question 10

can you tell me what happens when a person takes too much dilantin?

Accepted Answer

Toxicity: Not difficult to get toxic on Dilantin due to "zero order kinetics".  If this occurs, you will lose balance and coordination, will feel dizzy and maybe nauseated, and have difficulty focusing vision.  Readily reversible once levels drop into therapy range.

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Doctor answers about:

Going off dilantin

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:

Does your body have any clue if you tapper off dilantin slowly like going from 400mg to 300mg for a month my level is always only 3.5 14 year seiz fre?

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 ?

A member asked:

My dilantin levels are down to 24 should i still be concern ?

A member asked:

What causes dilantin levels to stay low if meds are being taking?

A member asked:

Can you tell me what happens when a person takes too much dilantin?

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