Skip to main content

Phenytoin for Trigeminal Neuralgia User Reviews

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

Rating: 5.4

Phenytoin has an average rating of 5.4 out of 10 from a total of 5 reviews for the off-label treatment of trigeminal neuralgia. 40% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 20% reported a negative experience.

10
0%
9
0%
8
40%
7
0%
6
0%
5
40%
4
0%
3
0%
2
0%
1
20%
  • CAJ...
  • May 6, 2011

Phenytoin "I have been on this medication for years. I do not take it on a daily basis. When pain pills do not work as well, I take a Dilantin to help stop the pain. I have found that if you take any of the medications for this disorder, your body gets used to it, and you have to up the dose. I also take Ativan at night if I am not able to sleep because of pain, and I do not take it every night because my body will get used to it. This is the worst thing I think a person can get and have to live with because it is like getting beat in the face every day all day long. Oh, and do not have your tooth pulled thinking it will get better... because I have pulled all mine and still have the same pain."

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
45 Report
  • AKR...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • June 7, 2017

"I am taking Dilantin and Tegretol for trigeminal neuralgia. I had what they called breakthrough pain, and that was when my neurologist put me on Dilantin. I have been on both for close to a year or so now, but I am finding out that I seem to be reacting to both or one, but I do not know which one I am reacting to. The pain is gone, but I am fighting with the side effects of which drug I am unsure, as they have similar side effects."

8 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
7 Report
  • Anonymous
  • May 31, 2010

Phenytoin "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
Was this helpful?YesNo
25 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • msb...
  • October 16, 2009

Phenytoin "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
Was this helpful?YesNo
24 Report
  • Ske...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 12, 2021

"I lost over 50% of my hair and developed a rash on one side of my face, neck, and chest while taking phenytoin. And it didn't help my TN."

1 / 10
Was this helpful?YesNo
1 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

Your review helps others make informed decisions.
Write a review
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.

Learn more about Trigeminal Neuralgia

Care guides