had a seizure with Dilantin level 15..how? - Epilepsy Message Board

carolynw · 07-08-2004, 09:09 PM

I had a seizure when my Dilantin level was within the therapeutic range...the level was 15 when taken in the ER. My dr doesn't know why this happened when after years I have been seizure free. Has this happened to anyone else? I am now on a higher dose of Dilantin and also on Lamictal.

thanks!

curse · 07-11-2004, 05:04 AM

I had to always keep my dilantin level to be about 19 to be in the safe range. Probably just depends on our bodies. Like any drug, I imagine our systems get used to it & needs more. Kinda like a fix.

)

ritamymom · 07-13-2004, 02:12 AM

Hi Carolyn

Is there any chance that you were running a fever or taking an antibiotic at the time of the seizure? There are some antibiotics that can interact with Dilantin and hence exasserbate seizures. Although your level was in a theraputic range, there are still triggers that will cause one to seize whether or not you are in range. Sleep deprevation, stress, etc.
Just a thought.

R

mnt89 · 07-13-2004, 01:01 PM

I was told you can have break through seizures - like if you missed a certain amount of doses several days before or so. I'm not sure how much truth there is to that.
Mike

Happy2 · 07-20-2004, 07:50 AM

My seizures were best controlled with a sub-therapeutic dose of 8-9. At 14 or more the side effects were intolerable, and I began having seizures again after many years of control. In my case, more Dilantin was not better.

Individual response to meds seems to vary though. Maybe you are developing a tolerance to it and need more. Good luck