Dilantin Alternatives Compared

View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
Dilantin (phenytoin)	Topiramate	Keppra (levetiracetam)	Enter another drug to compare

Dilantin (phenytoin)

Topiramate

Keppra (levetiracetam)

Prescription only

Prescribed for Epilepsy, Seizures, Neurosurgery, Status Epilepticus, Seizure Prophylaxis During or Following Neurosurgery. Dilantin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Prescription only

Topiramate may be prescribed either alone or in combination with other medications for the treatment of certain types of epilepsy, or it may be given for the prevention of migraines. Drowsiness is a... View more

Prescription only

Keppra is an anticonvulsant used to treat partial onset, myoclonic, or generalized tonic-clonic seizures, either alone or in combination with other anticonvulsants. It may cause drowsiness but is... View more

More about Dilantin (phenytoin)

More about Topiramate

More about Keppra (levetiracetam)

Ratings & Reviews

Dilantin has an average rating of 7.4 out of 10 from a total of 78 ratings on Drugs.com. 63% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 17% reported a negative effect.

Topiramate has an average rating of 6.3 out of 10 from a total of 1343 ratings on Drugs.com. 50% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 27% reported a negative effect.

Keppra has an average rating of 5.7 out of 10 from a total of 310 ratings on Drugs.com. 43% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 34% reported a negative effect.

View all 78 reviews

View all 1343 reviews

View all 310 reviews

Side Effects Experienced by Users Side effects are reported in Drugs.com user reviews and not clinically verified.

Dizziness (15.4%)
Rash (7.7%)
Swelling (7.7%)
Seizures (6.4%)
Fever (5.1%)
Memory loss (5.1%)
Nerve pain (3.8%)

View all Dilantin side effects

Tingling (15.6%)
Memory loss (12.7%)
Weight loss (11.5%)
Brain fog (10.1%)
Loss of appetite (7.8%)
Depression (6.6%)
Dizziness (6.3%)

View all Topiramate side effects

Anger (21.9%)
Depression (19.0%)
Mood swings (14.5%)
Tiredness (14.2%)
Irritability (11.0%)
Memory loss (6.5%)
Anxiety (5.8%)

View all Keppra side effects

Drug Class

Hydantoin anticonvulsants

Carbonic anhydrase inhibitor anticonvulsants

Pyrrolidine anticonvulsants

Generic Availability

Lower cost generic approved

Lower cost generic

Lower cost generic approved

Pricing and Coupons * Prices are without insurance

Quantity	100 capsule, extended release
Strength	100 mg
Per unit^*	$1.77 - $1.95
Cost^*	$177.18 - $194.70

View all Dilantin prices

Quantity	100 each
Strength	100 mg
Per unit^*	$0.18
Cost^*	$18.15

View all Topiramate prices

Quantity	120 tablet
Strength	500 mg
Per unit^*	$9.95
Cost^*	$1,194.13

View all Keppra prices

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Dosage Forms

Oral capsule, extended release
Oral suspension
Oral tablet, chewable

Oral capsule
Oral capsule, extended release
Oral solution
Oral tablet

Intravenous solution
Oral solution
Oral tablet

Half Life Drug half-life is the time required for plasma concentration to reduce to half its original value.

15 hours

56 hours

8 hours

CSA Schedule ¹ View glossary of CSA terms

Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.

Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.

Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.

Pregnancy Category

Category D Positive evidence of risk

See the full pregnancy warnings document.

Category D Positive evidence of risk

See the full pregnancy warnings document.

Category C Risk cannot be ruled out

See the full pregnancy warnings document.

Drug Interactions

A total of 866 drugs are known to interact with Dilantin:

246 major drug interactions (698 brand and generic names)
571 moderate drug interactions (3681 brand and generic names)
49 minor drug interactions (401 brand and generic names)

A total of 291 drugs are known to interact with Topiramate:

108 major drug interactions (659 brand and generic names)
180 moderate drug interactions (723 brand and generic names)
3 minor drug interactions (13 brand and generic names)

A total of 239 drugs are known to interact with Keppra:

6 major drug interactions (22 brand and generic names)
230 moderate drug interactions (1062 brand and generic names)
3 minor drug interactions (15 brand and generic names)

Alcohol/Food/Lifestyle Interactions

Phenytoin levels may decrease when the suspension is given with enteral feedings. This could lead... View more
Using phenytoin together with alcohol may alter the effects of phenytoin. Contact your doctor if... View more

Ask your doctor before using alcohol together with topiramate. This can cause excessive sleep... View more

Alcohol can increase the nervous system side effects of levETIRAcetam such as dizziness... View more

Disease Interactions

First Approval Date

January 06, 1953

December 24, 1996

November 30, 1999

WADA Class View classifications

N/A

More Information

Patient Resources

Dilantin uses

Topiramate uses

Professional Resources

Prescribing information

Prescribing information

¹ The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) schedule information displayed applies to substances regulated under federal law. There may be variations in CSA schedules between individual states.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Dilantin Alternatives Compared

See also:

Carbamazepine

Lamictal

Levetiracetam

Lyrica

Lorazepam

Diazepam

Pregabalin

Lamotrigine

Clonazepam

Gabapentin

Further information

Dilantin Alternatives Compared

See also:

Further information

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