Can Dilantin Be Taken Instead Of Keppra Safely?

Posted on Tue, 8 Mar 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 8 Mar 2016 Answered on

Fri, 20 May 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Your thoughts on Dilantin vs Keppra. Doctor changing my wife from Keppra to Dilantin. The keppra not working well. She is taking 3000 mg of keppra and now loading up on 900 mg dilantin and then 300 mg every day. She is very tired and confused.
Any thoughts please?

Answered by Dr. Shubham Mehta (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Dilantin more effective but side effects are more.

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Welcome to HCM.
I can understand your concerns for your wife.

In a specific reply to your question, keppra is much safer than Dilantin in terms of side effects.
The common side effects of keppra is Lethargy and sedation which resolves with Vitamin B supplements. Otherwise, there are virtually no serious side effects of keppra.

Dilantin on the other hand, can cause number of side effects.

As far as efficacy of both drugs in controlling seizures is concerned, Dilantin is a time-tested drug. It is (almost) always effective in controlling seizures and MUCH MORE reliable and efficacious.

While treating epilepsy, the primary aim is to control seizures. If keppra is not working well, Dilantin is a good choice provided it is dosed appropriately and side effects monitored.

Hope this helps.
Feel free to ask further.
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar