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What Causes Low Dilantin Levels In Blood?
Question: Hello Doctor, I had epilepsy in 1995 and then 1996 I took Eptoin 200mg for 3 years then from 2000 I'm taking 100 mg Eptoin today I met a nurologist in USA and I'm going to attach the paper report please go through the result of MRI, EEG,Dilantin level in blood test result, Doctor told me Dilantin in blood is very low so she prescribed new medication LEVETIRACETAM 500MG What do you suggest me? Do you want me to take Eptoin 200MG(or more) or the new medication LEVETIRACETAM?? Since I feel good about EPTOIN(NO epilepsy after taking this medication) still do i need to change my medication? why Dilantin level low in my blood even after taking 100 mg Eptoin everynight? Changing these medication will affect me? I want to take XXXXXXX medicine since it is easy to refill. My EEG shows some mild epilepsy trigger(some waves) so how could i stop that by taking 200 mg EPTOIN (i took 200 mg 10 years back but now taking only 100 mg)or LEVETIRACETAM 500 mg.The low Dilantin level in blood cause any problem how could i increase Dilantin level in blood which medication do you suggest? Anything abnormal do you see in report? Thanks in advance please clear my doubts.
Brief Answer:
If no serious side effects, you can continue the same treatment.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
Eptoin, Dilantin are different names for the same drug ( Phenytoin).
Your blood levels of Phenytoin are low because you are taking insuficient dosage.
Blood levels of Phenytoin could be increased, if necessary, by taking higher doses ( 200 to 300 mg daily).
Since you didn't experienced seizures from a long time, I don't see a reason to change the current medication, except if long time use of Phenytoin resulted in bothersome undesirable side effects. ( bone loss, gum disease).
The reason to switch to Levetiracetam is because long term use of Phenytoin is not preferred, but you used minimal dosage, so this option can wait.
In my opinion, you should continue the actual treatment plan, continuing follow up with your Neurologist of course, and leave these two possibilities ( starting Levetiracetam or increase the Phenytoin dosage) to the future, if you will experience seizures.
Reports include abnormal brain MRI findings, but not specified, or not related directly to seizures.
EEG shows abnormal findings related to memory problems ( probably temporal lobes atrophy ), but no seizures activity.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
I remain at your disposal for further questions and clarifications.
Take care.
If no serious side effects, you can continue the same treatment.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
Eptoin, Dilantin are different names for the same drug ( Phenytoin).
Your blood levels of Phenytoin are low because you are taking insuficient dosage.
Blood levels of Phenytoin could be increased, if necessary, by taking higher doses ( 200 to 300 mg daily).
Since you didn't experienced seizures from a long time, I don't see a reason to change the current medication, except if long time use of Phenytoin resulted in bothersome undesirable side effects. ( bone loss, gum disease).
The reason to switch to Levetiracetam is because long term use of Phenytoin is not preferred, but you used minimal dosage, so this option can wait.
In my opinion, you should continue the actual treatment plan, continuing follow up with your Neurologist of course, and leave these two possibilities ( starting Levetiracetam or increase the Phenytoin dosage) to the future, if you will experience seizures.
Reports include abnormal brain MRI findings, but not specified, or not related directly to seizures.
EEG shows abnormal findings related to memory problems ( probably temporal lobes atrophy ), but no seizures activity.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
I remain at your disposal for further questions and clarifications.
Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
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