Question 1

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 2

how do i wean off dilantin if my levels have only been 3.1 for past 10 years and what causes levels to be low?

Accepted Answer

Slowly: Dilantin is a long acting drug, meaning that it takes time for levels to stabilize. How to do it depends on whether you are really free of seizures, the current dose and the chances of future seizures. A level of 3.1 may be therapeutic. Low levels depend on the dose, the Dilantin formulation and the ability of your body to absorb the drug.

Question 3

if you did not need dilantin for seizures wouldnt te levels be high all the time instead of low, i had 2 seizures 14 years ago and level always 3.4?

Accepted Answer

Complicated: Drugs used for seizure prevention are best used in sufficient dosages to put a patient into a therapeutic range to best protect against future seizures.  Your level seems too low, but the medicine, nonetheless, is likely helping.  Talk to your neurologist as to what should be done to optimize your treatment.

Question 4

i have been on dilantin since i was 16 when i had 2 seizures in my sleep now dr wants me to quit dilantin my level is always low 3.5 ?

Accepted Answer

Seizure medication : When your level is that low it is more likely that it is not doing much and it seems appropriate to take you off medication. Seizure thresholds are lower in sleep so good chance you won't need. Follow your doctor's advice.

Question 5

if someone is seizure free on a low level of dilantin 3.1 for 15 years since teen what are the chances of another seizure are chances low ?

Accepted Answer

Very low-unlikely: Your Dilantin level is known as a homeopathic dose-not likely to be preventing any seizure activity if you truly have an ongoing epilepsy.

Question 6

after being seizure free on low levels of dilantin for 15 years after just 2 what is the odds a seizure will return. everyone tells me 100 percent?

Accepted Answer

Hard to predict: The correct odds are 50/50.  If your Dilantin levels have been sub-therapeutic, and you have been totally sz-free, the odds are in your favor.  Since your last event was at age 15, this is also positive.  To help assess this, check with a board certified neurologist with epilepsy experience, get an updated eeg.  If appropriate, can slowly taper off, but under close obs by your neurologist.

Question 7

can you have 2 seizures then never have any again had my first 2 in my sleep that was when i was a teen im 30 now with low dilantin levels but fine?

Accepted Answer

Seizure: I believe if you are seizure free for two yrs, then anti- seizure meds need to be weaned off under direct supervision of a neurologist. See your doctor.

Question 8

i take topamax, and dilantin for seizures. i got my level checked, and it was 3.4. what can cause low dilantin levels? even after taking the correct dose

Accepted Answer

Dilantin : Your dose may not be sufficient to achieve a satisfactory blood level so the dose may have to be increased

Question 9

why would my dilantin level always be low no matter what dose i take it has been 2.1 to 3, 1 for 16 years and im seizure free only had one in my life?

Accepted Answer

Low dilantin level: I assume u take med regularly. Many meds & supplements can interfere with dilantin: antacids, aspirin, tylenol (acetaminophen) (also in combo with narcotic), gingko, milk thistle, contraceptives, immune modulators (for ra/ ms/autoimmune dss), HIV drugs, calcium channel blockers, tagamet, cipro, erythromycins, valium, diabetes meds, flu vaccine. Discuss possibilities with prescribing doc. Good that no seizures.

Question 10

can thinking about a seizure or being afraid of one give you one. i had 2 when i was 16 in my sleep im 30 now and have been fine on low level dilantin?

Accepted Answer

Unlikely: Severe stress can lower the seizure threshold but unless you are seriously obsessing about this problem, it's not likely. Low Dilantin levels can be therapeutic. 14 years of seizure freedom suggests you may have "outgrown" the problem. Discontinuing anticonvulsants always poses some degree of risk, even if low, that seizures might recur. Talk to a neurologist & don't worry so much!

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Low dilantin levels symptoms

A member asked:

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

A member asked:

How do i wean off dilantin if my levels have only been 3.1 for past 10 years and what causes levels to be low?

A member asked:

If you did not need dilantin for seizures wouldnt te levels be high all the time instead of low, i had 2 seizures 14 years ago and level always 3.4?

A member asked:

I have been on dilantin since i was 16 when i had 2 seizures in my sleep now dr wants me to quit dilantin my level is always low 3.5 ?

A member asked:

If someone is seizure free on a low level of dilantin 3.1 for 15 years since teen what are the chances of another seizure are chances low ?

A member asked:

After being seizure free on low levels of dilantin for 15 years after just 2 what is the odds a seizure will return. everyone tells me 100 percent?

A member asked:

Can you have 2 seizures then never have any again had my first 2 in my sleep that was when i was a teen im 30 now with low dilantin levels but fine?

A member asked:

I take topamax, and dilantin for seizures. i got my level checked, and it was 3.4. what can cause low dilantin levels? even after taking the correct dose

A member asked:

Why would my dilantin level always be low no matter what dose i take it has been 2.1 to 3, 1 for 16 years and im seizure free only had one in my life?

A member asked:

Can thinking about a seizure or being afraid of one give you one. i had 2 when i was 16 in my sleep im 30 now and have been fine on low level 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?