dilantin vs. phenytoin

[simple83]

I'm looking for any input on whether or not there is a difference between dilantin and it's generic phenytoin.

[IMNRVUS]

The physical difference in the capsules is that the medicine inside is...
Dilantin is in powder form, Phenytin has a small solid pill inside.
Obviously the generic is less expensive but, still made to FDA standards. Non-medicine ingredients may be different.

I've only taken the Phenytoin, but I've heard that some people need the Dilantin to keep seizures under control. The amount of each needed to keep seizures under control may be different as well. Everyone reacts differently to each one. It either works or it doesn't.

I don't know if side effects are different.

[simple83]

I've been on dilantin for almost 6 yrs. I take 600 mg a day. It has kept the seizures pretty much under control. I have partials in my right foot, but, other than feeling irrational fear, they aren't so bad b/c I remain conscious. They happen only when I am sleeping; they wake me. I wake with a partial never knowing when it's going to become a full blown. While they don't happen often anymore, when they do it's bad. In Feb of this year I switched to phenytoin, to save a little money. I hadn't had a full blown seizure in 3 yrs. I had 1 in April and 2 this month. I'm switching back to dilantin hoping that is the reason they are happening again.

[Travis from MN]

I had irratic levels on generic Dilantin. My Dr up here (it was the metro Dr that put me on generic) put me back on Brand Name and the problems went away with the spurratic seizures; inculding a few visits to the ER due to low levels of Dilantin (when on generic) in my system.

My advice for almost anybody is to stay on Brand Name if you can.... the cost isn't that much of a diff...

--Travis

[IMNRVUS]

Simple83 and Travis from MN:
Since you've both taken name brand and generic dilantin...
What were the side effect differences? Anything you can think of... all if possible. I wonder if it would be worth switching just because of less or different side effects. I'm only taking 300mg/day, 100 am & 200 pm. I'm way below theraputic level, but I've only had 8 GM's since my first in Oct '01. My sinus/sleep apnea problems are under control now, and don't think I even need the meds anyway.