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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How To Control Side Effects Of Dilantin?

Hi my husband has been dilantin since September last year. Since he's been taking it, a lot of things have happened to him. He hasn't been sleeping, has trouble swallowing, has lost a lot of weight, speaks with a slur, numbness in hands. You name it, he has it. I went on the internet to see if I could find the side effects for dilantin. Everything I have told you is what I found and many more. Please tell me what should we do. I am thinking of stopping him from taking it once and for all. Sorry but my name is Regina
Tue, 14 Oct 2014
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hello Regina
Dilantin is PHENYTOIN and is a most effective and potent drug for EPILEPSY and Also in status fits .
Dilantin toxicity as manifested as a syndrome of cerebellar , ocular or vestibular effects , notably nystagmus, diplopia, SLURRED SPEECH & ataxia.
Others are lack of appetite. confusion , dizziness and many more .
You didn't mention the dosage , which your husband is taking.
The normal dosage :3-4 mg /kg body weight and gradually increases up to 600 mg daily in divided dosage.
So in my opinion it will be very dangerous , if you stop this drug at once .
Gradually reduce the dosage or consult your treating physician and get his opinion regarding decrease in dose.
Hope you will take it seriously and deal as mentioned .
Hope this will help you.
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How To Control Side Effects Of Dilantin?

Hello Regina Dilantin is PHENYTOIN and is a most effective and potent drug for EPILEPSY and Also in status fits . Dilantin toxicity as manifested as a syndrome of cerebellar , ocular or vestibular effects , notably nystagmus, diplopia, SLURRED SPEECH & ataxia. Others are lack of appetite. confusion , dizziness and many more . You didn t mention the dosage , which your husband is taking. The normal dosage :3-4 mg /kg body weight and gradually increases up to 600 mg daily in divided dosage. So in my opinion it will be very dangerous , if you stop this drug at once . Gradually reduce the dosage or consult your treating physician and get his opinion regarding decrease in dose. Hope you will take it seriously and deal as mentioned . Hope this will help you.