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southie · 09-28-2008, 03:53 PM

All Anti-Epileptic Drugs (AEDS) carry side effects and there
are really no "safe AEDS" out there; however, some
AEDS require blood level monitoring, and Dilantin (generic
name: Phenytoin) is one of them.

However, I do wish to post this that I have posted in
another forum where I'm a moderator at:

Quote:

ALL anti-epileptic drugs OUT THERE COMES WITH SIDE EFFECTS!

* Some individuals may not experience any side effects

* Some individuals may experience a minimal side effects at first but will go away after a period of time (which they call it a 'honeymoon phase') during the titration of the medication.

* Some individuals may experience a mild side effects that are tolerable but can stay with the medication(s). (It's either take the medication(s) or risk the seizure(s) which in turn 'may' endanger you and put you at a risk for brain damage)

* Some individuals may not experience any side effects at all for a period of time, then develop a tolerance (or resistance) - then side effects begins to manifest; and if ever this becomes the case, then one must consult with their Epileptologist or Neurologist; for it may be that the dosage may need to be decreased or it may be that seizures are 'changing' and you need to be re-evaluated again. It may also mean it might be a time to change your anti-epileptic drug or anti-epileptic drugs or adjust them accordingly or even having to have a full Neurological Work-Up

* Some individuals develop side effects not long after beginning the medication and it must be discontinued and monitored by the Epileptologist or Neurologist. DO NOT EVER STOP THE MEDICATION YOURSELF!

* IMPORTANT NOTICE: Some medications needs frequent or sporadic blood level work up. There are some Epileptologists and Neurologists that do not follow through on this, so it pays to do your homework on the drugs you are taking and to ask questions about the drug(s) you are on

* EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION: If at any time you experience: shortness of breath, chest pains, numbness that radiates especially to your left side of your body, drooping of your face, sudden unexplained rashes that just came up, or experience anything that is unusual to you, thoughts of suicide - Call your Epileptologist or Neurologist or 911 or Go to the Hospital Immediately. Do not consult with NeuroTalk - We are not Medical Doctors here! The Doctors / Hospital will take care of you and evaluate you and take care of you

* This is NOT an exhaustive list - only a BASIC LIST

It would be a tremendous idea to keep a log as when
you are experiencing this "effects". Are these effects
only happening after you've taken the medication(s)
and then goes away and then you're fine afterwards?

Or is it continually persisting?

Such needs to be noted and bought forth to your
Neurologist / Epileptologist. It is possible you may
have a side effect to one of the medication that you
are on; not necessarily it's the Dilantin / Phenytoin.
But you should have your blood levels checked if
you are on this medication however.

NOTE: I AM NOT A MEDICAL DOCTOR, this posting
is only a recommendation - all medical advisories should
be consulted with your Neurologist or Epileptologist!

IF YOU ARE UNHAPPY OR UNSATISFIED WITH THE
TREATMENT / CARE THAT YOU ARE RECEIVING WITH
THE PRESENT NEUROLOGIST / EPILEPTOLOGIST; then
it is strongly recommended that you speak with your
Primary Doctor (after all he/she is your "General Over-
seer" of your medical well being) about moving on to
another Neurologist or Epileptologist.

If you have any difficulties in finding one - there are
places you can go or find one:

Here's a MAP for the nearest Epilepsy Comprehensive
Center (Level 3/4) - click on the link below:

LEVEL 3/4 EPILEPSY COMPREHENSIVE CENTERS - (USA ONLY)

And if that is not suitable, you can also Find a Doctor:

FIND A DOCTOR (Neurologist/Epileptologist) - AESNET/Epilepsy Foundation

Good Luck and Hope this helps!