Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
Stroke Victim, Epilepsy, Takes Medications, Becomes Weaker Everyday, Fell Down. Becoming Toxic?
my husband is a stroke victim who suffers with epilepsy he has a worst case dr , more than one has seen . he takes Dilantin also valporic liquid 750 of valporic 300 Dilantin 3years now heseems weaker every day lately fall down weak he is seventy his dr does not help me much I am sad I don't know what to do is he becoming toxic I cant cut the dose he can have 6 seizures in a day even on the meds I never miss doses or give extra always on time what can I do sorry about the typing I am a seamstress never could type sorry thanks
Mon, 7 Oct 2013
Hi,
It is possible that your husband is suffering from valproate or phenytoin (dilantin) toxicity, because frequent falls, instability while walking, weakness, dizziness etc are common symptoms of these. This can be confirmed by a blood test that measures the serum levels of the drugs in the body. If the levels are higher than normal, then toxicity is confirmed and can be managed accordingly. Some side effects of these medicines, like sedation, can also be responsible for the falls. It is not advisable to adjust the dose of these medicines yourself, as both too little and too much are potentially harmful. There are other medications too that can control seizures, so please do not worry about running out of options if one of these medicines has to be stopped. Please discuss in detail with your doctor.
Hope this helps you. Best wishes.
It is possible that your husband is suffering from valproate or phenytoin (dilantin) toxicity, because frequent falls, instability while walking, weakness, dizziness etc are common symptoms of these. This can be confirmed by a blood test that measures the serum levels of the drugs in the body. If the levels are higher than normal, then toxicity is confirmed and can be managed accordingly. Some side effects of these medicines, like sedation, can also be responsible for the falls. It is not advisable to adjust the dose of these medicines yourself, as both too little and too much are potentially harmful. There are other medications too that can control seizures, so please do not worry about running out of options if one of these medicines has to be stopped. Please discuss in detail with your doctor.
Hope this helps you. Best wishes.
I find this answer helpful
1 user finds this helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Recent questions on Hydantoins
Loading Online Doctors....