Dilantin(Phenytoin) How Long For Level Stabilization After Drinking

[bluestreak]

Have been on 400 mg Phenytoin since 2012 with no seizure activity since that time. I changed neurologists recently and he wants my levels checked regularly and so do I. My levels in August were 11(10-20 is acceptable) and then just a few weeks ago they were very low at 5.

I think I know alcohol is the culprit as I had not been drinking at all for months prior to when my levels were at 11 in August. Since football season began, I have been drinking pretty heavily(8-12 beers) like 3 times a week for well over a month and my levels came in at 5.

Have stopped drinking completely since the low levels came in on Monday. Anybody have any idea how long it can take for Phenytoin levels to return back to normal after stopping drinking? How long should I wait to get my levels checked? I must get my levels corrected & checked ASAP because I need to head to CA to take care of my ailing grandfather.

Any input is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

 

[Porkette]

Hi Bluestreak,
Welcome to CWE! It's been many yrs. since I have taken Dilantin but take my word don't drink. I would wait at the most a week if not longer to get your level checked by then things should be back to normal, but to be sure check with your pharmacist they can tell you for sure. Wishing you and your grandfather well and May God Bless the Both of You!

Sue

 

[bluestreak]

Thank you Sue. Never even thought of asking my pharmacist. Will do right now! I was thinking 10-14 days as I though I read that somewhere online but can't find it again!

 

[acshuman]

Forget Alcohol

bluestreak,

I have taken Dilantin for over 50 years with no problems. I have never drank alcohol so I don't know how I would have been affected if I had drank at any time while taking Dilantin.
I have my blood levels taken once a year when I have my physical and they have always been within the parameters that are used to determine levels. :clap:
I have been prescribed up to 600mg/day. I am presently prescribed 400mg/day.

acshuman

 

[Nakamova]

Acute alcoholic intake can actually increase phenytoin serum levels, while chronic alcohol use may decrease serum levels. Sounds like your intake might be considered a little of both... Either way, stopping drinking can also decrease serum levels for a few weeks -- there's a roughly three-week "rebound" effect that results in a sped-up metabolizing of the Dilantin. But the timing can be unpredictable since metabolism (both on and off alcohol) can vary quite a bit from individual to individual.

I would be more interested in the fact that you remained seizure-free when your blood serum levels were significantly lower than they had been in the past. When I was on Dilantin, my blood serum levels were quite low (also around 5), but as long as I remained seizure-free, my neurologist wasn't too concerned.