Question 1

Can Dilantin be used to treat other types of seizures?

Accepted Answer

While Dilantin is not officially approved for seizure types beyond its usual indications, it has been researched for use in various other seizures, including refractory seizures, simple partial seizures, and secondary generalized seizures. Your neurologist can determine whether phenytoin is suitable for treating your specific seizure condition.

Question 2

Is it safe for pregnant women to take Dilantin?

Accepted Answer

Phenytoin (Dilantin) can significantly increase the risk of birth defects if taken during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester. There is a 5 to 10% chance of the unborn baby developing Fetal Hydantoin Syndrome, which affects growth and brain development if the mother takes phenytoin during early pregnancy. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, consult with your healthcare provider about your options. Alternative anti-seizure medications may be more suitable and safer for your unborn child. Additionally, pregnant women taking phenytoin are encouraged to enroll in the North American Antiepileptic Drug (NAAED) Pregnancy Registry to contribute to research on the safety of antiepileptic drugs during pregnancy.

Question 3

Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Dilantin?

Accepted Answer

It is advisable not to consume alcohol while taking phenytoin (Dilantin) without discussing it with your healthcare provider first. Alcohol can significantly alter the levels of phenytoin in your body, potentially decreasing its effectiveness and increasing the risk of seizures or causing the levels to become too high, which can lead to severe side effects.

Question 4

How long does it take for Dilantin to start working?

Accepted Answer

It takes about 7 to 10 days for the levels of phenytoin in your body to stabilize (reach a “steady state”) on a normal starting dose. Then, your provider will gradually increase the dose to an appropriate amount. It can take up to 4 weeks before you start to feel the full benefit of this drug. Please be aware that you may still have seizures during this time, but they should happen less and less frequently. If you are in a hospital or clinic setting, your provider may “load” you with a large dose of phenytoin (Dilantin) to get your levels up faster.

Question 5

Can Dilantin be used for pain management?

Accepted Answer

No, Dilantin, the brand name for phenytoin, is specifically prescribed to treat and prevent certain types of seizures. Unlike some other seizure medications like gabapentin (Neurontin), which is also used for nerve pain, Dilantin is not approved for pain treatment. Additionally, it should not be confused with Dilaudid, a different medication used for severe pain management.