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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Numbness In The Legs While On Dilantin?

I have epilepsy (diagnosed at 12)- controlled on dilantin. I am having numbness in my legs when i sit for awhile and now i am having swelling. in both legs. I am active, I work and drive, have 3 children. I feel exhausted and am having muscle aches everywhere. I went to the local ER they did bloodwork and felt this may be Lymes. I don t have any bullseye markings and have no results yet. Just looking for another opinion. Have a good night
Wed, 16 May 2018
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  User's Response
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.

I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

The drug you are using is Phenytoin, an antiepileptic. The main adverse effect of it is megaloblastic anaemia. You should check your Vit. B12 and folic acid levels. Both are required for myelination of nerves which improves nerve conduction. Numbness may be due to B12 and folic acid deficiency. Phenytoin also cause lymphadenopathy. So that it can also be for the limb swelling. You should consult a physician as without seeing we cannot comment. There are other causes of limb oedema too.

I advice you to take folic acid and Vit B complex supplement once a day.


Hope this will help you.

Thank you
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What Causes Numbness In The Legs While On Dilantin?

Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. The drug you are using is Phenytoin, an antiepileptic. The main adverse effect of it is megaloblastic anaemia. You should check your Vit. B12 and folic acid levels. Both are required for myelination of nerves which improves nerve conduction. Numbness may be due to B12 and folic acid deficiency. Phenytoin also cause lymphadenopathy. So that it can also be for the limb swelling. You should consult a physician as without seeing we cannot comment. There are other causes of limb oedema too. I advice you to take folic acid and Vit B complex supplement once a day. Hope this will help you. Thank you