Phenytoin for Seizures User Reviews (Page 2)

• Anonymous
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 17, 2021

Phenytoin "I was reading your article above, you mentioned hair loss while taking Dilantin. Try 500 mcg of biotin once a day. You want to protect your bones with calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D. Always talk to your neurologist first. Good luck."

• Anonymous
• September 15, 2008

Phenytoin "Been taking Dilantin for 36 years. Had a grand mal seizure. As long as I take the medicine, things are good. Side effects are eyes sensitive to bright sunshine, gums swell, get tired quicker. Has improved quality of life."

• men...
• June 7, 2008

Phenytoin "I have tried several anti-convulsant medicines, even had combinations before. Dilantin provides better results for me among all. There were a few false side effects like rashes, constipation, nausea, and dizziness, but it really depends on what you have eaten. Just make sure that you get a regular Dilantin assay for your safety. I think it really depends on what kind of seizure and how your body reacts to medicines."

• 55b...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 1, 2021

Phenytoin "On Dilantin extended plus phenobarbital for 47 years for seizures. Not an episode for 38 years. Requires regular check of blood level with adjustment when elevated. Excellent dental hygiene is important. Bone loss after long-term use with moderate anemia. These effects are worth it for total control of episodes. Specialist prescribes brand only due to efficacy."

• D P...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 23, 2015

Phenytoin "I had my first ever seizure on 8/4/93, one day before my 24th birthday, out of the 'clear blue.' I was first prescribed 400 mg of Dilantin daily. I experienced muscle spasms/twitches, sleeplessness at night, and sleepiness during my waking hours. I was switched to 400 mg of Phenytek daily. At first, the same symptoms persisted but subsided over time. I have been on both Dilantin and Phenytek for 22 years; currently on Phenytek, and my seizures are controlled, with minor/minimal side effects: occasional muscle twitching and/or headaches remedied with Tylenol. I hold down a full-time job, and I drive, so my #1 priority every night is to take my meds. So far, so good....."

• Dil...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 17, 2021

"Pharmacy changed my client's Dilantin to the Aurobindo brand, and it has really messed up his health bad with seizures and unable to stabilize Dilantin levels to normal limits for 8 months now! Bad company making bad medicine!"

• Anonymous
• March 14, 2010

Phenytoin "I have been taking Dilantin for a few months now for both petit mal and grand mal seizures. I have experienced all of the side effects from the medication. My lymph nodes are swollen and very painful. It is making it difficult to talk. My whole face and neck are swollen as well. I have had painful headaches since two weeks after I started taking the medication. I have also had a fever for the past month, around 99 degrees to 100 degrees. This medication works for other members of my family, but it does not work for me."

• kim...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 23, 2014

"I am 53 and have been taking 500 mg of Dilantin for over 7 years. I have had over 10 grand mal seizures prior to taking Dilantin. I have not had any seizures since. I go every 6 months to check Dilantin levels, all good. Don't know what I would do without it. I can feel a little spacey if I don't take it on time, I take all at once in the morning."

• Joh...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• April 19, 2021

Phenytoin "In 1992 (I was 26), I had my 1st seizure while I was asleep, and after a couple more, I was put on Dilantin, 300 mg at bedtime. About 10 years later, I started having what are called déjà vus and now take oxcarbazepine, 600 mg in the morning and 600 mg with the Dilantin at night. Dilantin has helped me have a great life (last seizure about 10 years ago). Has anyone else had these issues?"

• jen...
• April 6, 2008

Phenytoin "I have been on this medicine for almost 6 years. I have not had any side effects as of yet. I am monitored by my doctor every 6 months. This medicine has changed my life. I was not able to do things such as drive or even work. Since on the meds, I have been seizure-free and living my life."

• San...
• October 13, 2009

Phenytoin "This medication was prescribed to me as a 37-year-old cancer patient due to having suffered 3 seizures over the summer, all of them grand mal seizures. Presently taking this medication without side effects (aside from being a bit slow in action)."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 28, 2024

Phenytoin "Dilantin has been the medication that all of my doctors have fallen back on when nothing else helped me with tonic-clonic seizures. No side effects for 48 years, 400-500 mg daily, no negative side effects, and no contraindications."

• Att...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 2, 2014

"Had grand mal and was prescribed phenytoin, slowly upping dose from 100x3 to 100x6. I was considered under controlled status, even having 1-3 seizures (partial complex) not during the month, but all the same day. Checking blood levels, everything seems good. Doc says probably female hormones causing imbalance. Seems I have some side effects like confusion, short-term memory issues, can't stand metal in my mouth like silverware, it's a weird feeling, insomnia. Well, next script is a different manufacturer. I never thought it would be such a big deal, but I started to feel high/intoxicated (not fun), blurry vision, skin tone is changing, swollen gums, tingling in face, arms, hands, legs, and feet, along with slight numbness, feel unbalanced."

• DJT...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• November 17, 2019

"Dilantin, taken for decades to control seizures when a kid. Taking 400 mg phenytoin generic (insurance) instead of 300 mg Dilantin daily. Being switched to Vimpat because of long-term use potential side effects."

• Nic...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 13, 2024

"I have been taking Dilantin 100mg x 4 for epilepsy since 1967 - 54 years! No seizures in over 44 years when I went off it for 7 mos. This has been the best drug invented for me. Have led a wonderful life, driving, healthy, and active. Finished graduate school and taught for 25 years. I defied my high school teacher's expectations when she told me I would never get a job or amount to anything with a seizure disorder. The occasional depression and tired feeling is offset with drinking lots of coffee, eating lots of greens and fruit, and exercise."

• Tim...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 31, 2024

"It has kept me seizure-free for over 10 years now. I have grand mal seizures, but I'm fully conscious while my body shakes, and I can't breathe for 2 to 3 minutes until I stop from lack of oxygen. It's is so awful. That's why I'm glad phenytoin has helped me avoid that. I know it comes with some bad side effects long-term, so I'm worried. I've been taking it for 20 years already. But whatever stops the seizures, I guess."

• kat...
• March 9, 2008

Phenytoin "I have been on Dilantin since I was about 17. It has been working a lot better than the Depakene I was taking before. When I was pregnant and started to gain a lot of weight, my doctor had to increase the dose. I am 31 now and my seizures are very well controlled while on Dilantin."

• Alo...
• November 11, 2007

"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."

• RVR...
• April 20, 2008

"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."

• jbr...
• April 3, 2011

"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."

• tro...
• April 5, 2020

"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."

• rig...
• August 30, 2007

Phenytoin "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."

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

Phenytoin "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?"

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

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

• Anonymous
• April 5, 2008

Phenytoin "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."