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A member asked:
Started dilantin 30 yrs ago after one grand mal and numerous petit mal seizures. worry about long term effects as i age. stuck for life?
8 doctors weighed in across 4 answers
Cause of seizures?: Typically, if a person is compliant with their medications, gets good followup by their doctor (preferably neurologist), does not have a clear reason to be on the medication for life (such as penetrating bullet wound to brain, ruptured aneurysm, etc), ; is free from seizures for at least 2 years then, taking down the anti-epileptic medication is reasonable to try. Check with your doctor though.
Answered 5/23/2016
4.1k views
Absolutely not: You're right to be concerned: Phenytoin can promote osteoporosis through its effect on calcium metabolism. (Not great for the liver, either.) Get completely reevaluated. Either you need to stay on a seizure med or you don't. If you don't, great. If you do, there are newer-generation anticonvulsants with much lower long-term risks.
Answered 5/23/2016
3.7k views
Time to reevaluate: If you have not had a seizure in 30 years, it is time to re evaluate your situation. Many studies have shown that after from 2-4 seizure free years 70% of seizure patients can be successfully weaned from their medication. Speak to a neurologist abut this.
Answered 5/23/2016
3k views
NOT AT ALL: Dilantin is an archaic drugs with distinct long term adverse effects: osteoporosis, peripheral neuropathy, cerebellar degeneration. If it has been 30 yrs since your last seizure, do you really need an anti-epileptic drug. If you do, there are several safer choices these days. See a neurologist, update your EEG, discuss your options. I agree with your concerns.
Answered 5/31/2016
1.3k views
Related Questions
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?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
A member asked:
Is there any place to get a free EEG I have been seizure free since 15 im 30 now epilepsy foundation wont give me one until Dilantin is stopped?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
A member asked:
If a seizure occurs 72 hours after suddenly stopping Dilantin does one have epilepsy?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
A member asked:
If I have had one seizure in the past is it safe to undergo a light hypnosis for anxiety I do take Dilantin which is a untheroputic level?
6 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
People also searched for:
Is it true the longer you are seizure free means that you will have another one soon been seiz free for 15 years on 2.3 Dilantin levels i was 16
Does the longer going without a seizure mean you are going to have one soon its been 15 years since my last Dilantin level always been 3.2 no higher?
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?
Had a seizure when I was 16 im 30 now and still take Dilantin but its always low how do I get over the fear that I could have another one ?
Im 30 now but at age 16 i had 2 seizures in 2 days.I take 400mg of Dilantin a day my level never goes higher then 2.3 but no seizure since 98 am i saf?
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