I've been taking Dilantin for about 40 years. Last night I started Googling the word 'dilantin', and of course, all sorts of information popped up. I read quite a bit of it. As I read the lists of "side effects", my present existence made total sense, though I am not happy with the knowledge.
Memory loss has become significant for me, almost to the point of a disability. Direction and drive has also been a constant challenge for me. Bruising and bleeding easily has been noticed. Tingling and numbness in my toes and fingers has been noticed in the last few years.
I thought these must be the effects of aging, I am 55. But all of these symptoms are listed among the side-effects of Dilantin. There are worse. Possible atrophy of the brain! And my poor liver!
This drug was 'discovered' in the 1930's I think it said. And it is still often the drug of choice by many physicians.
Bernard, you and Stacy have been to see many physicians over the past few years. And Stacy has tried many different drugs and 'treatments'. You must feel that Dilantin is still the best option?
A note here: I have been drawn to enjoying an espresso (small to medium sized soy latte type, half decaf/half regular espresso). Then I read all the information saying that it may be bad for epileptics. I deal with something akin to depression almost all the time these days. I think the little bit of caffeine helped make me 'feel' better for a moment.
What are your thoughts on espresso for seizure-prone individuals?
I certainly wish that I could stop taking Dilantin each day. Though 300 mg is often less than 'therapeutic', it still has it's negative effects on my body.
It's all kind of frustrating sometimes.
Jonzen
Memory loss has become significant for me, almost to the point of a disability. Direction and drive has also been a constant challenge for me. Bruising and bleeding easily has been noticed. Tingling and numbness in my toes and fingers has been noticed in the last few years.
I thought these must be the effects of aging, I am 55. But all of these symptoms are listed among the side-effects of Dilantin. There are worse. Possible atrophy of the brain! And my poor liver!
This drug was 'discovered' in the 1930's I think it said. And it is still often the drug of choice by many physicians.
Bernard, you and Stacy have been to see many physicians over the past few years. And Stacy has tried many different drugs and 'treatments'. You must feel that Dilantin is still the best option?
A note here: I have been drawn to enjoying an espresso (small to medium sized soy latte type, half decaf/half regular espresso). Then I read all the information saying that it may be bad for epileptics. I deal with something akin to depression almost all the time these days. I think the little bit of caffeine helped make me 'feel' better for a moment.
What are your thoughts on espresso for seizure-prone individuals?
I certainly wish that I could stop taking Dilantin each day. Though 300 mg is often less than 'therapeutic', it still has it's negative effects on my body.
It's all kind of frustrating sometimes.
Jonzen