Been controlled on dilantin for years & now having breakthrough seizures, what could be the cause?

7 Dec 2011

Hello agt41002. I'm certain you know of phenobarbital. Not certain if you've tried it. I did a drug check and it responds well to prozac. They really have no major serious, side effects, or minor at that. So, I'd suggest the phenobarbital. As to the reason why you're having these seizures, could be just as simple that your body has built up a tolerance to the dilantin. That you need to have possibly your dose adjusted, or another drug be taken to replace it. Either way, I hope that you get relief and soon from whats happening. Best of wishes,

7 Dec 2011

Hi agt,my husband had brain surgery years ago and had seizures all the time.I am just going to offer up what we did over many years .we worked with the head neuro. Surgeon at n. Y . U. Medical center in new York they finally put him on (trilepitol) not sure of that spelling please some one else correct that.then they put him on prestig,so sorry about spelling can't get to med. Cabinet.the prestiq is for depression and I think other anti depressants work with the trilepitol which is for the seizures.he has not had a seizure in years,at least inquire about this med to see if this is something you could tolerate.the Dilantin has to be tapered off usually in a hospital setting.that took about 10days.first things first see if you can ask about the trilepitol.best of luck I know you must be very frustrated with your circumstances and my heart goes out to you.I hope something I said can help you,c.

6 Jan 2012

Hello agt41002,
We seem to be having simular problems, I know those headaches are really bad and bothersome. The dilantin they have me on now is 900mg a day and 600mg of tegritol, and sometimes I will still have gran-mal seizures,but at times I might eat something that will have an effect on my med-level, and allow a seizure to break through.So that may be something you need to watch.And just to let you know,i've started smoking, but it's an electric cigarette,so there is NO tar or any chemicals entering you body and lungs, it has got nicotine, which is no worse for your body than caffeine. The nicotine simply has a calming effect of the energy bursts in the brain that can cause a seizure, it has helped me a good bit. Look up and read about nicotine effects and you might be surprised. Be careful CAFFEINE may do just the opposite and cause a seizure. I am no doctor, this is just something i've learned by using drugs.com and my own experience. James L.