Phenytoin User Reviews & Ratings (Page 4)

Brand names: Dilantin, Phenytoin Sodium, Phenytoin Sodium, Extended Release, Phenytek, Di-Phen

Phenytoin has an average rating of 7.5 out of 10 from a total of 116 reviews on Drugs.com. 66% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 16% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Phenytoin

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Alo...
November 11, 2007

For Seizures "I've been taking 3 100 mg Dilantin Kapseals since 1985, and it seems I am fine. Never again a seizure. My health care plan informs me that these are no longer made. They are prescribing generic phenytoin as similar. I'd understood the generic were not quite as good, perhaps due to the fact they must be taken three times a day."

9 / 10

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2xS...
August 3, 2013

For Neurosurgery "Other than some short-term memory issues, I've had no complaints with this medicine other than when my doctor adjusts my dose to where he thinks it should be and not what works for me. I'm currently on 400 mg daily, 200 mg in the morning & 200 mg at dinner time. I'm also maxed on my Keppra, so this is to supplement the additional help needed to control seizures after brain cancer surgery. I am though drowsy a lot, but when I get to the suggested range between 10-20 measurement, I have seizures all too often. I'll stick with the drowsiness!"

9 / 10

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5 Report

RVR...
April 20, 2008

For Seizures "I was 34 years old before being diagnosed with rare epilepsy. I have seizures 1/16 of a second out of every minute. I knew nothing about this disease, my doctor tried many therapy plans. I finally had to go into the hospital-there I got Dilantin through a drip. I told my doctor it seemed to be working. I have been taking 10 a day ever since. Thanks, it has made my quality of life much better."

8 / 10

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5 Report

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jbr...
April 3, 2011

For Seizures "After 4 known grand mal seizures, my doctor put me on phenytoin 2 months ago. Do not have too many complaints except my head feels like something is crawling in it sometimes, forgetting things, like common names for things, people's names, and being tired. I am 48 years old, never would take aspirin but want to be safe for myself and others. My last seizure... there was no telltale sign before, and I was just moments from getting into my car."

9 / 10

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K J...
February 10, 2011

For Epilepsy "I'm 24 years old and started to have seizures about 2 1/2 years ago. I had problems at first accepting that I was an epileptic and waited until I had my 5th seizure (grand mal) before I would let the doctor put me on medication. I started on 300 mg of phenytoin a day and went up to 500 mg a day. First it was too little, and then it was too much and really hurt my liver. Now I'm on 400-500 mg a day alternating, which can be a pain in the butt trying to keep track of what dose I need. But since I started alternating, I haven't had a seizure. It does work!"

8 / 10

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Chr...
December 20, 2014

Phenytoin for Epilepsy "I've been taking this medicine for years. I was having difficulties keeping my medicine levels in the proper zone. The extended release has been great. I'm in a small group of people who need their Dilantin level slightly above the 10-20 range. I'm able to stay at 20-22 with the proper dosages that have been prescribed for me. I cannot take the generic brand. When I was on the generic, my levels were not as stable."

10 / 10

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tro...
April 5, 2020

For Seizures "I have been on phenytoin sodium for a long time and at first it didn't help right away, but my doctors increased my meds and I'm proud and glad to say I haven't had any attacks in the last 5 years. I get my levels checked and I'm able to do things I thought I would never get to do. I'm glad my doctors made the change. The meds have never given me any troubles, none of the side effects have taken place, and I'm 39 and have been on it for 15 years, grand total. I'm pleased."

10 / 10

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wea...
May 6, 2014

For Epilepsy "I have taken phenytoin for nearly 3 years. I am now on 500 mg, which does concern me, even though it controls my seizures really well. So far, I have swollen gums and some memory and motivation problems, although I am 58, so that might account for that."

8 / 10

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srr...
Taken for 10 years or more
November 16, 2023

For Peripheral Neuropathy "Took Dilantin for 20+ years for sleeping issues. Quit working when Pfizer started to make it. Ended up with neuropathy in my feet, and phenytoin is on the list that can cause neuropathy. Old and outdated drug, also known as the ugly drug because it's known to cause abnormal bone growth in your face and elsewhere."

1 / 10

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pro...
September 23, 2024

For Epilepsy "Been on phenytoin (initially called garoin) for over 55 years. As soon as I began taking it, all seizures stopped and never had a grand mal since. Gum issues and minor jaw bone deterioration may possibly be side effects, but for me, they are irrelevant in comparison to the outstanding benefit of being seizure-free."

9 / 10

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New...
August 11, 2017

For Myotonia Congenita "It's been only a week I am on it, reduced my anxiety, it reduced unwanted electrical activity in both hemispheres (was irritating). It's a lifesaver for me. SE: gum growth, low vitamin D causing joint pain."

9 / 10

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Ano...
Taken for 2 to 5 years
April 25, 2025

For Anxiety "Been on this for a few years, taking 2 pills 3 times a day. It's been a life changer! My anxiety level has decreased. Finally living a happy life."

10 / 10

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Anonymous
Taken for 1 to 6 months
December 25, 2024

For Anxiety "I could barely go outside without having panic attacks, and now my anxiety has gone down about 90%."

10 / 10

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Mic...
Taken for 6 months to 1 year
March 13, 2024

For Anxiety "I started with 50 mg per day for two weeks and then 100 mg once in the morning. Amazing drug! No more panic attacks and wonderful for anxiety. Also, I experienced vivid dreams."

10 / 10

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Mar...
Taken for 1 to 6 months
September 30, 2024

For Anxiety "My doctor advised trying this medicine after a bad experience with antidepressants. Good treatment for anxiety, personally, I don't have any side effects with 100 mg in the morning so far."

9 / 10

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Anonymous
August 10, 2008

Phenytoin for Anxiety "I use 100 mg once a day to control anxiety. It works well. People at work have noticed I am much calmer at work."

10 / 10

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46 Report

rig...
August 30, 2007

Phenytoin for Seizures "I have been using Dilantin since I was 15 years old and have had no side effects. I am 42 years old now. I thank God because I have grown out of most of my seizures."

9 / 10

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29 Report

Anonymous
May 31, 2010

Phenytoin for Trigeminal Neuralgia "Very effective for trigeminal neuralgia for past 2 years at 500 mg daily. Not so great now, so I must have built tolerance to it, as I'm having daily bouts of pain again."

5 / 10

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25 Report

SAN...
Taken for 1 to 2 years
July 9, 2012

Phenytoin for Seizures "I am on 300 mg of Dilantin one day and 400 mg the next day. Unfortunately, the day I take 400 mg, I do not get a full sound sleep at night. What are the experiences of others?"

9 / 10

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msb...
October 16, 2009

Phenytoin for Trigeminal Neuralgia "Stops the pain, but makes me too dizzy to function. My doctor also doesn't like the long-term effects on the cerebellum."

5 / 10

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24 Report

Joe...
February 8, 2009

Phenytoin for Epilepsy "I've been on Dilantin since 1979 and have not had any issues or seizures."

10 / 10

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22 Report

ZHM...
Taken for 1 to 6 months
November 12, 2023

Phenytoin for Seizures "This medication caused extreme fatty liver disease and cognitive impairment. Both conditions were quickly reversed once I stopped taking Dilantin."

1 / 10

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Anonymous
April 5, 2008

Phenytoin for Seizures "I'm 52 years old and had a grand mal seizure 4 years ago and have been taking Dilantin since without incident. No side effects. The medicine is effective and relatively affordable."

10 / 10

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Anonymous
October 17, 2009

Phenytoin for Seizures "I think I might be allergic to this medicine, as I had the hives in the evening from my scalp down."

4 / 10

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alm...
May 13, 2010

Phenytoin for Seizures "I experienced Stevens-Johnson syndrome when I first started taking this drug. It took three months of high doses of prednisone to recover."

2 / 10

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15 Report

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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.