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?

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.

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.

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.

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.