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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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No Seizures Recently, Had Convulsions Before A Decade, On Eptoin. Can I Discontinue?

Hi! I am taking one tablet 100 mg per day eptoin tablets For 20 years for anti convulsion. I had seizure 20 years back but never had there after. I used to take 3 tablets per day for 4 years. Later the doctor reduced. From this month onward, I am taking only 50 mg tablets. I am no more in contact of my previous doctor. I am fine and fit now. Shall I keep taking 50 mg tablets or shall I discontinue? What are the side effects for a long use of eptoins? From Ram Singh
Tue, 26 Jun 2012
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Internal Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Hello Ram, Thanks for your query.
Since its been 20 years you had your last attack of seizure and you have been on successful monodrug therapy, it is ideal to withdraw your drug. Long term eptoin/phenytoin can cause gum hypertrophy, cerebellar ataxia, hirsuitism and decrease in blood cells. The withdrawl has to done in a tapering dose fashion rightly guessed by you, to avoid withdrawl seizures which can happen with phenytoin. i suggest you continue your medication at 50mg for 2 weeks then alternate day for 2 weeks and then stop it totally.
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No Seizures Recently, Had Convulsions Before A Decade, On Eptoin. Can I Discontinue?

Hello Ram, Thanks for your query. Since its been 20 years you had your last attack of seizure and you have been on successful monodrug therapy, it is ideal to withdraw your drug. Long term eptoin/phenytoin can cause gum hypertrophy, cerebellar ataxia, hirsuitism and decrease in blood cells. The withdrawl has to done in a tapering dose fashion rightly guessed by you, to avoid withdrawl seizures which can happen with phenytoin. i suggest you continue your medication at 50mg for 2 weeks then alternate day for 2 weeks and then stop it totally.