Dilantin and Memory Loss: What Users Say

• Pep...
• August 28, 2015

For Seizures "I had my dosage increased 100 mg last year to 400 mg/day and noticed an increase in side effects. My short-term memory is awful, especially with names. I've also noticed mood swings, weight gain, and sensitivity have increased, and I'm still having seizures. It appears it's not the drug for me."

• com...
• June 12, 2010

For Seizures "Works fast and was effective for me, but the side effects left me in never-never land. Could not think straight, had no short-term memory, was dizzy, and had no sense of time. Good luck and keep trying till you find one that works for you."

• dla...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 21, 2016

For Seizures "I began having focal seizures in 2011, not knowing what was going on. I wasn't diagnosed until 2013 after my first Grand Mal. Began taking Dilantin 500 mg per day. Seizures were much better, but my memory is worse, and I have no libido. I am way more easily agitated. If I miss a dose, I will generally have a focal seizure. Doctor wants to add Keppra, but I am a little scared because of the depression possibility. I have withdrawn from friends a little already and do not need to add to that. Plus, when I took it last week, I was in bed exhausted at 7:30 for no apparent reason."

• msc...
• April 19, 2010

For Epilepsy "I have had good but not great response with Dilantin. The medicine helps to reduce my seizures significantly, but the side effects are not fun. I experience shaking hands, anxiety, and being very klutzy and forgetful. I have been on the medication for just over nine years, and the seizures have slowed, but even on the treatment I'll still experience grand mals that are significant; but not as bad as they used to be. I was just wondering what the real long-term effects are, and what to look out for."