Question 1

i just had blood work done and is showed an elevated dilantin level. what type of sim proms would i be experiencing. been taking dilantin for about 30 years?

Accepted Answer

: Dilantin is a medication used to treat seizures in patients with epilepsy. An elevated Dilantin level, also known as Dilantin toxicity, can cause a range of symptoms including slurred speech, confusion, dizziness, tremors, and loss of coordination. Long-term use of Dilantin can also lead to osteoporosis and an increased risk of fractures. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider.

Question 2

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 3

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 4

if i take 400mg of dilantin a day and cut it down to 300 a day because the 400 didn't raise the level from 2.3 will my body know the difference?

Accepted Answer

No, not really: Dilantin exhibits zero-order pharmacokinetics; the rate of clearance of the drug is dependent upon the concentration of drug present. Therefore, Phenytoin does not have a classical half-life like other drugs, since it varies with blood concentration. As the blood concentration drops, the rate at which it is excreted increases.  Speak with your neurologist if this is the right medication for you.

Question 5

what is a normal dilantin level for someone not taking dilantin? or is there a level?

Accepted Answer

None: If you are not taking Dilantin , there should be no levels at all. However, therapeutic levels are between                 10-20mcg/ml (blood test).

Question 6

what signs can i look for possible dilantin high levels? i give only what is prescribed at the certain hrs set-up.

Accepted Answer

Dilantin side effect: Your question seems to be asking the signs and symptoms of Dilantin toxicity. These may occur when the Dilantin levels are higher than the recommended therapeutic range. Some of these symptoms include nystagmus (twitching of the eyes), sleepiness, nausea/vomiting, difficulty with speech (slurring), trouble with balance, bleeding of the gums. These symptoms can be reversed by decreasing the dose.

Question 7

for the first time in over 20 years my dilantin levels have spiked to 91, why. i was taking 400 mg a day.  i recently had major surgery and i am 59. ?

Accepted Answer

Other med: An additional med related to the condition for which you had surgery may be the culprit.  Liver function changes also should be considered.

Question 8

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 9

what should i expect from a dilantin level dropping in pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Problems: Dilantin is difficult to use at any time but especially during pregnancy.  Dilantin total level may be low, but free Dilantin adequate or even high.  Dilantin can cause birth defects and can affect birth control.  It is becoming apparent that it is an old drug that should not be used too often - especially in young women.

Question 10

i seem to be tired a lot! could it be my dilantin level ?

Accepted Answer

Could be: Everyone responds differently to dilantin. Some get tired, even on smaller doses at lower levels.  The head-to-head studies showed that many of the new seizure meds cause less sedation.  Discuss with your neurologist.

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Doctor answers about:

How to treat elevated dilantin levels

A member asked:

I just had blood work done and is showed an elevated dilantin level. what type of sim proms would i be experiencing. been taking dilantin for about 30 years?

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:

If i take 400mg of dilantin a day and cut it down to 300 a day because the 400 didn't raise the level from 2.3 will my body know the difference?

A member asked:

What is a normal dilantin level for someone not taking dilantin? or is there a level?

A member asked:

What signs can i look for possible dilantin high levels? i give only what is prescribed at the certain hrs set-up.

A member asked:

For the first time in over 20 years my dilantin levels have spiked to 91, why. i was taking 400 mg a day. i recently had major surgery and i am 59. ?

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:

What should i expect from a dilantin level dropping in pregnancy?

A member asked:

I seem to be tired a lot! could it be my dilantin level ?

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