Please help me

[president2232]

How long does it usally take to get your dialantin level correct? I have a goverment job at Nasa at stake and I don't have the peace to drive which is mandatory for my job. This is new to me and to say the least at a lost with all of this.I'm seeing an internal doctor and a nerogist as well. What does it mean 6 months with exceptions in Texas.

[spitfire2]

Hi,
I was on Dilantin for a few years (have had epilepsy for 16 years, been on lots of meds), and I must say, it is unfortunately one of the more difficult meds in terms of keep a constant blood level.  What dose are you on currently?  If you are on 400 or 500mg, you should will have a more "dependable" blood serum level--at least the medication level will stay within an acceptable range, but dilantin can have many unpleasant side effects, especially at 500mg.  Neuroloigsts--better, epileptologists, or neurologists who specialize in epilepsy--know more about this jazz than internists.  Dilantin is not prescribed as often as it used to be.  SInce it has been around for many years, we have discovered that there are many side effects which are not worth risking.  Ask your neuroloigst if you could possible try another medication (what kind of seizures do you have?), one whose "consistent" blood serum level is easier to control.  

Good luck
spitfire2

[llemons]

LOL... trying to make myself younger... I am 35 y/o... Slip of the finger on the keyboard.. (right... LOL)

[llemons]

Ok, I just had my very first seizure a few weeks back (I am 30 yo).  As I was explained by my neurologist, the driving law in Texas is for 6 months SEIZURE FREE, it has nothing to do with the medication you are on (although certain anti-seizure meds can make you drowzy).  I am in NO way an expert and still learning this all as I go as well but I will tell you that I was placed on Keppra 1000mg to start with (taking 500mg in am & 500mg in pm).  I had terrible side effects from that dosage.  Dizziness, lethargy at times, mood swings & emotional outbursts.  My neurologist lowered me to 500mg at night only and so far the side effects have subsided... Now this has only been a little over a week so we will see how things go.  I have not had another seizure but if I do, we will have to adjust meds... I know every person is differnt..  I feel your pain when it comes to the interuption in your job.  My job requires me to drive (external marketing) and that has really made things hard for me.  My company has been making acceptions for you and yours should to.  Let me know how things go.

Best of luck,
Laura Lemons