help please

[Kardie]

I will try not to make this to long.  
I have been on Phenytoin since Oct. 11/07 after a single seizure.  I was first put on 300mg. but that was too high I was like a walking zombi, loosing my memory, nerves in hands and legs started to jump, slight quiver in hands, etc.  It was awful.  I was then lowered to 200mg which I could handle quite well.  My levels were checked in Feb.08 and the levels were low at 29, my Dr. raised the dose to 250mg wich moved my levels to 55. which she said was good.  In a short time of being on that I started to get the same side affects as on the 300mg.  My Dr. told me to go back to the 200mg and she would have to talk to my Neurologist,  I just had blood work done again and my phenytoin level come back at 2.  How is that possible?  I take my pills regular, I have had no seizures.  I have such a hard time getting a hold of the Neurologist I thought maybe you could help me.  Could my others pills be interfering.  I have been diagnosed with Hypothyroidism since the seizure and high colestoral.  I take Levothyroxine, lipitor, vitamin D, and calcium.  My Dr. wanted to raise the level but I didn't want to do that because of the side effects.
Kardie

[Kardie]

Thank you!  I appreciate your response.  That makes me feel better.  On 250 my level was 55. and I was starting to feel awful again but this is the level they seem happy with me being at.   At the 300mg I was started on my level was up to 117 and my GP got quite excited and dropped it immediately down to 200mg.  On the 300mg I was like a walking zombi.  I was starting to shake, I was dizzy, couldn't think or walk a straight line.  It was awful!  
Thanks again for your input

[Emma999]

Maybe they do different tests but the normal range is 10-20.  My last test came back an 8 and they were fine with that.

[Kardie]

Just wanted to update this.  I found out that my phnytoin level is 22. not 2.  The paper had moved when they faxed it and I didn't get the whole number.  This is still low but not at bad.  I got my appointment to see the neurologist for Aug 14.
Kardie