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Taking Epilim. Had Series Of Fits After Phenetoin. Forgets To Take The Pill. Effects And Risks Of "withdrawal" And "overdose"?
Question: My husband has been taking Epilim. Chrono 300 x2 /day since 2002 Prescribed for epilepsy following a series of fits after he had come off phenetoin for 5 years (having had it from childhood) Sometimes now at 54 yrs he forgets whether he has taken a pill. Gradually he realises something isn't right and then wonders whether to take one or not. What is best - leave it till due the next dose (eg Bedtime) or take one - which may mean he has too much?
What are the effects and risks of "withdrawal" and what are the effects and risks of "overdose"?
What are the effects and risks of "withdrawal" and what are the effects and risks of "overdose"?
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Hello and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your query.
If your husband misses a dose, it is advisable to take it as soon as he remembers. However if this is within 4 -6 hours of the bedtime dose, then it is better to skip the dose. In other words, it is not advisable to take two doses in a period less than 4 - 6 hours. And he should never take a double dose at a time.
Regarding your question about withdrawal risks / effects, withdrawal effects are usually not worrisome if just one or two doses are missed. This is because the "chrono" preparation ensures that an even dose of the medication is released through the day and thereby resticts sharp fluctuations of the drug level in the body.
Regarding the risks / effects of everdose, 600mg is not a high dose and so, this risk is relatively less. However, the symptoms which you should watch out for are nausea, vomiting, dizziness, weak muscles, imbalance, inco-ordination, confusion, excessive drowsiness, fits, loss of consciousness, etc. To prevent the risk of overdose, ensure that your husband drinks enough fluids, avoids taking other medication without the advise of a doctor and make sure that he goes for periodic follow-ups.
Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar
Consultant Psychiatrist
If your husband misses a dose, it is advisable to take it as soon as he remembers. However if this is within 4 -6 hours of the bedtime dose, then it is better to skip the dose. In other words, it is not advisable to take two doses in a period less than 4 - 6 hours. And he should never take a double dose at a time.
Regarding your question about withdrawal risks / effects, withdrawal effects are usually not worrisome if just one or two doses are missed. This is because the "chrono" preparation ensures that an even dose of the medication is released through the day and thereby resticts sharp fluctuations of the drug level in the body.
Regarding the risks / effects of everdose, 600mg is not a high dose and so, this risk is relatively less. However, the symptoms which you should watch out for are nausea, vomiting, dizziness, weak muscles, imbalance, inco-ordination, confusion, excessive drowsiness, fits, loss of consciousness, etc. To prevent the risk of overdose, ensure that your husband drinks enough fluids, avoids taking other medication without the advise of a doctor and make sure that he goes for periodic follow-ups.
Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar
Consultant Psychiatrist
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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