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Had Grand Mal Seizure, Dtress. Taken Dilantin. Correct Dosage?
I had a grand mal seizure about 3 weeks ago, I am 72 years old and had never had a seizure before. I was under severe stress, no sleep for many days and was caring for my husband who died a week later. Anyway I was kept in the hospital for three days because I had developed before the seizure the ability to carry on a conversation and my words were staggered. Tonight I think I took my afternoon Dilantin and I took my night time one because my pill box for the afternoon dose was empty. What do you think is the right way if this happens again?
Mon, 19 Aug 2013
Hi,
Thank you for posting your query.
First seizure needs evaluation to find out the underlying cause of seizures. I presume you underwent MRI of brain, EEG and other blood tests.
Regarding Dilantin, you need to take 5 mg per kg body weight. So, if your weight is about 60 kg, then, a daily dose of 300 mg is needed. A capsule of Dilantin is 100 mg, so, you would need three capsules daily. Since the duration of action is 24 hours, for convenience sake, you can take the entire three capsules together at night. Other options include taking one in morning, after noon and night each OR one in morning and two at night.
Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)
Senior Consultant Neurologist
Thank you for posting your query.
First seizure needs evaluation to find out the underlying cause of seizures. I presume you underwent MRI of brain, EEG and other blood tests.
Regarding Dilantin, you need to take 5 mg per kg body weight. So, if your weight is about 60 kg, then, a daily dose of 300 mg is needed. A capsule of Dilantin is 100 mg, so, you would need three capsules daily. Since the duration of action is 24 hours, for convenience sake, you can take the entire three capsules together at night. Other options include taking one in morning, after noon and night each OR one in morning and two at night.
Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)
Senior Consultant Neurologist
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