Dilantin is a prescription drug used to treat certain types of seizures in people with epilepsy. This eMedTV page further explores the specific uses of Dilantin, offers dosing tips for the drug, and lists side effects that it may potentially cause.
Common Dilantin side effects may include slurred speech, confusion, and unusual eye movements. This eMedTV article lists other possible side effects seen with the drug, including potentially serious side effects that require prompt medical attention.
Weight gain is not a reported side effect of Dilantin. This page on the eMedTV Web site further discusses Dilantin and weight gain, describes the clinical trials used to determine side effects of the drug, and offers tips for helping with weight gain.
It is possible to develop insomnia while taking Dilantin. This eMedTV article offers more information on Dilantin and insomnia, and lists some suggestions for improving sleep habits (like going to sleep and waking up at the same times each day).
Dilantin is used for treating certain types of epileptic seizures in both adults and children. This eMedTV resource lists specific types of seizures that can be controlled with the drug and discusses possible "off-label" Dilantin uses.
For those who are taking the tablet form of Dilantin, dosing usually starts at 100 mg three times daily. This eMedTV page offers other dosage information, including guidelines for children and tips on when and how to take the drug safely and effectively.
Among the drugs that can potentially cause Dilantin drug interactions are digoxin, isoniazid, and warfarin. This eMedTV page lists other drugs that may lead to Dilantin interactions and discusses the risks of taking these drugs along with Dilantin.
Since Dilantin affects the way your body deals with vitamin D, it may potentially cause bone weakness. This eMedTV segment covers other Dilantin warnings and precautions, and includes information on who should not take the medication.
Signs of an overdose with Dilantin may include joint pain, lethargy, and low blood pressure. This segment of the eMedTV site describes other symptoms that can occur and lists various treatment options for people who take too much Dilantin.
It is not recommended that you stop taking Dilantin suddenly, as withdrawal symptoms may potentially occur. This eMedTV page covers the possible dangers of Dilantin withdrawal and explains how your doctor may help prevent withdrawals from the medicine.
Symptoms of Dilantin toxicity may include dizziness, difficulty speaking or slurred speech, and lethargy. This eMedTV Web page lists other signs that may indicate Dilantin toxicity and explains what treatment options are available.
Dilantin may potentially cause problems to a fetus when taken during pregnancy. This eMedTV article offers more information on Dilantin and pregnancy, and explains how to safely take the drug if your doctor recommends taking it while pregnant.
The manufacturer of Dilantin does not recommend breastfeeding while taking the drug. This page on the eMedTV site discusses Dilantin and breastfeeding in more detail and explains the risks involved with using the medication while breastfeeding.
Generic Dilantin is available in extended release capsules, an oral suspension, and an injection. This eMedTV segment describes generic Dilantin in more detail and explains whether the generic products are equivalent to the brand-name drug.
Dilantin can sometimes be used for treating nerve pain. As this eMedTV page explains, since no research has been conducted on the safety or effectiveness of using Dilantin for nerve pain, doctors must prescribe the drug "off-label" for this use.
It is generally recommended that you avoid drinking alcohol while taking Dilantin. As this eMedTV page explains, combing Dilantin and alcohol can increase the risk and severity of side effects and reduce the drug's effectiveness.
Dilantin alternatives may include a special diet, surgery, and other seizure medications. This part of the eMedTV archives lists various medication alternatives to Dilantin and provides links to more information on epilepsy surgery and diet.
