Get Informed: Dilantin

Answer/Reply:

Recipes/fillers really shouldn't differ too much from once pharmacy or drug maker to another. However, I have heard that some Doctors recommend the name brand over the generic due to potency issues and my own experience with this med is that the "brand" name seems slightly more potent then the generic. Once when I switched from the generic to the primary maker of the drug it seemed as though I had an increase in the side effects (sleepiness, concentration problems) similar to when I started taking the meds for the very first time. Eventually the increased side effects lessened. But if they don't, I would recommend speaking with your Doctor. More importantly, your Doctor may want to do a blood level test for the drug to be certain that the different makers' drug is being absorbed into your body at the recommended level.
Hope that helps.

40 year old Male – Source: iGuard United States

Posted: 2009-08-18 14:46:30

Answer/Reply:

Dilantin has several generics with varied ingreidients from different companies. Some people can take them. I cannot. I think the generic Dilantin is crap. When I first started Dilantin 21 yrs. ago cuz of seizures because of a head injury from a wreck, I started using the generic. After several seizures (I knew when they were going to happen), I talked to my dr. He wrote my RX for brand only and I haven't had a seizure in 9 yrs. But I have to take it the rest of my life cuz the 3 times I've been weaned of it and was off it for a couple mos., my seizures would start again. My ins. covered the brand cuz the doc wrote them for brand only. If you have trouble with your ins. co. about it, have your doc talk to them or send them a letter. They usually will pay for them. Hope this helps.

48 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States

Posted: 2009-08-18 23:52:06

Answer/Reply:

I was told by my pharmacist, after taking generic phenytoin, that the grade of the drug dilantin was finer than the generic and that I was able to digest it better versus the generic.

45 year old Male – Source: iGuard United States

Posted: 2009-08-21 00:13:50

iGuard Answer/Reply:

The FDA requires different manufacturers of phenytoin to show that their product has the same amount of active ingredient in each pill and dissolves in the same way as the branded product in order to be approved as a generic equivalent. However, there have been several reports of patients responding differently when they switch between phenytoin manufacturers. It is also possible that the different inactive ingredients cause these problems.

Since phenytoin has a very small therapeutic range, it is best to avoid switching generic manufacturers, especially if you are stabilized on one specific manufacturer's product. If you do need to change manufacturers for any reason, make a follow-up call to your physician to have your phenytoin level checked.

If your current symptoms have not improved, please make an appointment with your physician to evaluate what is causing these symptoms.

Posted: 2009-08-21 10:19:21

Answer/Reply:

Im not sure I just got on that drug.Was taking Dilantim but dito insurance deal.Renee

57 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States

Posted: 2009-08-22 13:22:13

Answer/Reply:

I have the same problem, that is really weired that someone has the same symptoms as I do.

60 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States

Posted: 2009-08-24 18:24:05

iGuard Answer/Reply:

There are no interactions between Topamax and acetaminophen (the active ingredient in Tylenol) or Topamax and ibuprofen (the active ingredient in Advil). Before starting any new medication, make an appointment to discuss it with your physician. He or she has your complete medical history and will know if there is any interaction between your medical conditions and acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

Posted: 2009-07-21 00:27:41

iGuard Answer/Reply:

Topamax infrequently causes an increase in hepatic enzymes, which may indicate decreased liver function. Liver damage has also been observed in patients taking phenytoin. If you have decreased liver function, you should avoid drinking alcohol or alcohol-containing medications. Acetaminophen (the active ingredient in Tylenol and other products) can affect the liver as well, so it would be best to avoid or decrease the use of it. Please follow up with your doctor to discuss how Topamax or other medications you are taking is affecting your liver and your concerns about food and drinks.

Posted: 2009-07-21 00:48:02

iGuard Answer/Reply:

Phenytoin can cause Stephens-Johnson syndrome. However, the symptoms of this syndrome begin as flu-like symptoms followed by a purplish rash that spreads and blisters, eventually causing a top layer of skin to shed, which does not seem to be what you are describing. Stephens-Johnson syndrome is considered an emergency situation, so if you feel you are experiencing these symptoms, you need to go to an emergency room right away. Phenytoin can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and depression. Phenytoin levels should be evaluated periodically by your physician to make sure no dose adjustments are needed. Please make an appointment with your physician to discuss your worsening symptoms as there may be a need to change your dose or re-evaluate your medication regimen.

Posted: 2009-07-18 09:49:24