Posted by Megan on December 13, 1999 at 20:12:31:

In Reply to: Dilantin and neuropathy posted by Barbara on November 22, 1999 at 22:33:39:

: Does anyone know if taking dilantin long term can start a neuropathy? Aside from the tingling in my hands and feet (feet mostly), I had one episode of blurred vision, dizziness and numbness on the right side of the body.

Hello, I am a 15 year old female and I have been on Dilantin for a few months due to brain seizures that I have. Dilantin is an anti-seizure medicantion that is only a short term med. Therefore, you should not be on it for more than a few months. Your doctor usually prescribes it to you to see if your body will react to an anti-seizure med. If the dilantin seems to help your seizures then they will put you on a long term anti-seizure med. Dilantin is a strong drug to take for more than a few months and that is why your doctor will or should not keep you on it for a long period of time. There is a long list of side effects that come along with Dilantin, some of which include but are not limited to are: Rapid weight loss, loss of memory, dizziness, blurred vision, and research is being done to see how dilantin affects your kidneys. I am dumbfounded that you felt numb on one side of your body because that, however, is not normal. Consult your doctor about the numbness because I have never heard of that side effect before.

Good Luck To You And I Wish You Well!

Megan