Phenytoin User Reviews & Ratings (Page 3)

Brand names: Dilantin, Phenytoin Sodium, Phenytoin Sodium, Extended Release, Phenytek Di-Phen

Phenytoin has an average rating of 7.5 out of 10 from a total of 110 reviews on Drugs.com. 66% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 17% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Phenytoin

Anonymous
Taken for 1 to 2 years
August 15, 2012

Dilantin (phenytoin) for Epilepsy "I have been on dilantion and phenobarbitone both taken at night. I haven't had any gramdmals in two years. I've notice some type of rash on my side that doesn't seem to ever go away and feel a lot more stress and some weight gain but with the two mixed together it works great. I sleep well and have a lot of energy."

7 / 10

Was this helpful?Yes No

11 Report

Tim
Taken for 10 years or more
January 31, 2024

For Seizures "It has kept me seizure-free for over 10 years now. I have grand mal seizures, but I'm fully conscious while my body shakes, and I can't breathe for 2 to 3 minutes until I stop from lack of oxygen. It's is so awful. That's why I'm glad phenytoin has helped me avoid that. I know it comes with some bad side effects long-term, so I'm worried. I've been taking it for 20 years already. But whatever stops the seizures, I guess."

10 / 10

Was this helpful?Yes No

1 Report

Jello
Taken for 10 years or more
January 20, 2020

For Peripheral Neuropathy "First prescribe phenytoin for sleeping disorder 40+ years ago. Helped regulate sleep. 10 yrs later got extreme Graves disease no sleep for 2+ years. Took phenytoin 200mg to regulate sleep between isotopes, but noticed helped with muscle and joint pain. Then got connective tissue disease: debilitating with many splints. Asked for phenytoin. Along with idomethacin, totally cured. Amazing, terrible side effects every time tried to stop drug. Then aortic/bifemoral artery bypass. Now have neuropathy in partially numb legs cuz so many nerves cut during multiple repairs. I shouldn't need phenytoin, but whenever tried to wean off, it makes my body feel terrible and ever inch grates on me, so looks like I'll be taking 200mg forever with no side effects as long as continue. I'm a little thin person 74 with no arthritis or other health issues. I'll never know how else phenytoin influenced, but I think it helps with nerve pain and sleep regulation."

9 / 10

Was this helpful?Yes No

5 Report

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to know about Drug Interactions?

Anonymous
Taken for 10 years or more
March 17, 2021

Dilantin (phenytoin) for Seizures "I was reading your article above you mentioned hair loss while taking Dilantin. Try 500 mcg of biotin once a day. You want to protect your bones to with calcium, magnesium and vitamin D. Always talk to your neurologist first. Good Luck"

7 / 10

Was this helpful?Yes No

4 Report

kimow...
Taken for 5 to 10 years
February 23, 2014

For Seizures "I am 53 and have been taking 500 mg of Dilantin for over 7 years. I have had over 10 grand-mal seizures prior to taking Dilantin. I have not had any seizures since I go every 6 months to check Dilantin levels all good. Don't know what I would do without it. I can feel a little spacey if I don't take it on time I take all at once in the morning."

Was this helpful?Yes No

9 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

jenni...
April 6, 2008

Phenytek (phenytoin) for Seizures "I have been on this medicine for almosy 6 years. I have not had any side effects as of yet. I am monitored by my doctor every 6 months. This medicine has changed my life I was not able to do things such as drvie or even work. Since on the meds I have been seizure free and living my life."

9 / 10

Was this helpful?Yes No

12 Report

Rachael
Taken for 10 years or more
December 27, 2021

For Seizures "I was given phenytoin 300mg daily after my first seizure at 11 years old. I am now 68 and have been more or less seizure free for most of my life. However recently I have been suffering badly from neuropathic pain and numbness in my feet. I am going to have to find a good replacement drug as sadly the medication is now giving me very nasty side effects. Watch out if you take this for a long time but for years it’s been a very effective medication."

7 / 10

Was this helpful?Yes No

3 Report

Sanos...
October 13, 2009

Dilantin (phenytoin) for Seizures "This medication was prescribed to me as a 37 year old cancer patient due to having suffered 3 seizures over the summer all of them grand mal seizures. Presently taking this medication without side effects (aside from being a bit slow in action)."

10 / 10

Was this helpful?Yes No

11 Report

Patri...
January 23, 2023

Dilantin (phenytoin) for Seizures "I have never had a seizure in my life I'm 59 years old about year and a half ago started having what they called silent seizures this went on for a year before they found out I was having seizures I was having seizures everyday they put me on dilantin for a year and a half I can tell already the bad side effects - I've gone from 150 pounds to 93 pounds falling broken bones walking around like I'm drunk but it did stop the seizures."

Was this helpful?Yes No

2 Report

AKRIKA
Taken for 1 to 2 years
June 7, 2017

For Trigeminal Neuralgia "I am taking Dilantin and Tegretol, for trigeminal neuralgia, I had what they called breakthrough pain and that was my Neurologist put me on Dilantin. I have been on both for close to a year or so now, but I am finding out that I seem to be reacting both or one but I do not know which one I am reacting to. The pain is gone but I am fighting with the side effects of which drug I am unsure as they ave similar side effects."

Was this helpful?Yes No

6 Report

Attit...
Taken for 2 to 5 years
October 2, 2014

For Seizures "Had grand mal and was prescribed Phenytoin slowly upping dose from 100x3 to 100x6. I was considered under controlled status even having 1-3 seizure (partial complex)not during month but all same day. Checking blood levels everything seems good. Doc says probably female hormones causing imbalance. Seems I have some side effects like confusion, short term memory issues, can't stand metal in my mouth like silverware it's a weird feeling, insomnia. Well, next script is different manufacturer. I never thought it would be such a big deal but I started to feel high/intoxicated (not fun) blurry vision, skin tone is changing, swollen gums, tingling in face arms hands legs and feet along with slight numbness, feel unbalance. "

7 / 10

Was this helpful?Yes No

7 Report

DJTra...
Taken for 10 years or more
November 17, 2019

For Seizures "Dilantin, taken for decades to control seizures when a kid. Taking 400mg Phenytoin generic (insurance) instead of 300mg Dilantin daily. Being switched to Vimpat because of long-term-use potential side effects."

6 / 10

Was this helpful?Yes No

4 Report

Groov...
Taken for 10 years or more
July 12, 2021

Dilantin (phenytoin) for Epilepsy "I was diagnosed with epilepsy in 1971. Have taken Dilantin for 50 years and have been seizure-free for the last 17. However, my doctor is weaning me off the Dilantin and onto Keppra because I am starting Harvoni for Hepatitis C and Dilantin is contraindicated. I am quite scared that I will experience breakthrough seizures, but my doctor will not allow me to take life-saving Harvoni without starting the Keppra. :("

9 / 10

Was this helpful?Yes No

3 Report

Johnbo
Taken for 10 years or more
April 19, 2021

Dilantin (phenytoin) for Seizures "In 1992 (I was 26) I had my 1st seizure while I was asleep and after a couple more I was put on Dilantin, 300 mg at bed time. About 10 years later I started having what are called deja vu's and now take oxcarbazepine, 600 mg in the morning and 600 mg with the Dilantin at night. Dilantin has helped me have a great life, (last seizure about 10 years ago) Has anyone else had these issues?"

8 / 10

Was this helpful?Yes No

3 Report

FRED
December 29, 2013

For Epilepsy "I have taking dilantin since I was 13 years old, now I am 66 years old. I take 360mg at night, I haven't had a seizure (grand mal) for 33 years now, I get headaches sometimes (MIGRAINE), I sleep good, I am an active type person, I swim, ride a bike, go to the gym 3 times a week."

8 / 10

Was this helpful?Yes No

7 Report

Aloysia...
November 11, 2007

For Seizures "I've been taking 3 100mg Dilantin Kapseals since 1985 and it seems I am fine. Never again a seizure. My health care plan informs me that these are no longer made. They are prescribing generic phenytoin as similar. I'd understood the generic were not quite as good. Perhaps due to the fact they must be taken three times a day."

Was this helpful?Yes No

9 Report

katie...
March 9, 2008

Dilantin (phenytoin) for Seizures "I have been on dilantin since I was about 17. It has been working a lot better than the depekene I was taking before. When I was pregnant and started to gain a lot of weight, My doctor had to increase the dose. I am 31 now and my seizures are very well controled while on dilantin."

10 / 10

Was this helpful?Yes No

9 Report

coco...
September 13, 2013

For Epilepsy "I am 37 years old and was diagnosed with epilepsy 5 weeks ago. I was put on the phenytoin capsules and take 300 mg at bedtime (which I take faithfully). Lately I've noticed my energy level has increased and I haven't had a seizure in 8 days, but I notice I wake up with a headache mostly to the back of my head. I also have been having so really weird dreams. It is 3 in the morning here and of course I awoke with a headache and a slightly stiffer neck. "

7 / 10

Was this helpful?Yes No

6 Report

Wendas
Taken for 5 to 10 years
December 3, 2019

Dilantin (phenytoin) for Epilepsy "Dilantin worked for my epilepsy and the side affects are not bad, they go away and if you have a high metab you will have high Dilantin levels even when you take it the right way, you just need to find your dose"

10 / 10

Was this helpful?Yes No

3 Report

Dilan...
Taken for 5 to 10 years
December 17, 2021

For Seizures "Pharmacy changed my client's Dilantin to the Aurobindo brand and it has really messed up his health bad with seizures and unable to stabilize Dilantin levels to normal limits for 8 MONTHS now! BAD COMPANY making BAD MEDICINE!!"

2 / 10

Was this helpful?Yes No

2 Report

Mary
Taken for less than 1 month
July 23, 2021

For Epilepsy "Found I was allergic to phenytoin. On the 7th day broke out in itchy rash from head to toe. It only took a few hours for the spreading of rash to cover my entire body. I'm miserable. Dr. had me stop cold turkey. I'm so disappointed. I had high hopes for this drug. I cried for hours yesterday. The rash is horrible. This drug also caused horrible gas. Was having to take Gas-X along with it."

1 / 10

Was this helpful?Yes No

2 Report

2xSur...
August 3, 2013

For Neurosurgery "Other than some short-term memory issues, I've had no complaints with this medicine other than when my Dr. adjusts my dose to where he thinks it should be and not what works for me. I'm currently on 400mg daily, 200mg in the morning & 200mg at dinner time. I'm also maxed on my Keppra so this is 2 supplement the additional help needed 2 control seizures after a brain cancer surgery. I am though drowsy a lot but when I get to the suggested range between 10-20 measurement I have seizures all to often, I'll stick with the drowsiness!"

9 / 10

Was this helpful?Yes No

5 Report

jbrich
April 3, 2011

For Seizures "After 4 known grand mal seizures, my doctor put me on phenytoin 2 months ago. Do not have to many complaints except my head feels like something is crawling in it sometimes, forgetting things, like common names for things, peoples names and being tired. I am 48 yrs old, never would take aspirin but want to be safe for myself and others. My last seizure .... there was no tell tale sign before and I was just moments from getting into my car."

9 / 10

Was this helpful?Yes No

5 Report

RVRSEDG
April 20, 2008

For Seizures "I was 34 years old before being diagnosed with rare epilepsy. I have seizures 1/16 of a second out of every minute. I knew nothing about this disease, my doctor tried many therapy plans. I finally had to go into hospital - there I got dilantin through a drip. I told my doctor it seemed be working. I have been taking 10 a day ever since. Thanks it has made my quality of life much better."

8 / 10

Was this helpful?Yes No

5 Report

K John
February 10, 2011

For Epilepsy "I'm 24 years old and started to have seizures about 2 1/2 years ago. I had problems at first accepting that I was an epileptic and waited until i had my 5th seizure(grand mal) before I would let the doctor put me on medication. I started on 300mg of phenytoin a day and went up to 500mg a day. First it was too little and then it was too much and really hurting my liver. Now I'm on 400-500mg a day alternating, which can be a pain in the butt trying to keep track of what dose I need. But since I started alternating I haven't had a seizure. It does work!"

8 / 10

Was this helpful?Yes No

4 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.