Phenytoin and Memory Loss: What Users Say

• Pep...
• August 28, 2015

Phenytoin 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

Phenytoin 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

Phenytoin 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 I have withdrawn from friends a little already and do not need to add to that.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

Phenytoin 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."

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

For Seizures "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."

• 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!"

• 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."

• 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."