Hi,



Thank you for posting your query.



Epilepsy is a chornic disease and requires medications for a long time. However, if patients remain seizure-free for 3-5 years, it is possible to stop anti-epileptic drugs in many patients.



However, the drug should be tapered and stopped and it should not be stopped at once. Also, it should be done after an evaluation by neurologist, under his guidance.



Eptoin (phenytoin) may have side effects such as imbalance while walking, thickening of gums, etc.



Please get back if you require any additional information.



Best wishes,



Dr Sudhir Kumar MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Neurology)

Senior Consultant Neurologist

Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad,

My personal URL on this website: http://bit.ly/Dr-Sudhir-kumar

My email: drsudhirkumar@yahoo.com

Hello,
thanks for using health care magic.

Phenytoin is an anti-epileptic drug and like all other drugs
it has its own side effects.
However, it is relatively safer than most anti-epileptic drugs
thus making it a common first line anti-epileptic drug.
Its side effects include
-sedation, cerebellar ataxia, seizures,
-allergic reactions,
- megaloblastic anemia
-teratogenicity
- pruritus,
-hirsutism etc
However, most side effects of phenytoin are related to over dose.
It is interesting to know that for a long time now you have not had any seizures again. It is a good indication that discontinuation of your drug could be possible. But then discontinuation is done gradually by tapering the dose and not abruptly in order to prevent withdrawal syndrome. This require careful follow-up and observation by your doctor. You should meet your doctor for this.
Best regards.
Dr Achuo