Before taking Dilantin, tell your healthcare provider about your complete medical history, allergies, and all medications you are taking. Careful monitoring is important to help ensure the medication is safe and effective.
Do Not Stop Dilantin Suddenly
Do not stop taking Dilantin without first consulting your healthcare provider.
Stopping phenytoin suddenly may increase your risk of status epilepticus, a serious and potentially life-threatening seizure emergency. If your treatment needs to be stopped, your healthcare provider will gradually reduce your dose or transition you to another anticonvulsant medication.
If you develop a serious allergic or hypersensitivity reaction, your healthcare provider may switch you more quickly to an anticonvulsant that is not in the hydantoin class.
Suicidal Thoughts and Behavior
Like other antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), Dilantin may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior in some people.
This risk may occur as early as one week after starting treatment. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you or your family notice:
- New or worsening depression
- Mood or behavior changes
- Suicidal thoughts or actions
- Unusual anxiety, agitation, or irritability
Regular follow-up appointments allow your healthcare provider to monitor your mental health while you are taking Dilantin.
Who Should Not Take Dilantin?
Do not take Dilantin if you:
- Are allergic to phenytoin or any of its ingredients.
- Are allergic to other hydantoin anticonvulsants, including:
- Ethotoin (Peganone)
- Fosphenytoin (Cerebyx)
- Mephenytoin (Mesantoin)
- Are taking delavirdine (Rescriptor), as combining these medications can lead to serious drug interactions.
Always tell your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking before starting Dilantin.
Pregnancy
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, talk to your healthcare provider before taking Dilantin.
Phenytoin may harm an unborn baby. However, uncontrolled seizures during pregnancy can also pose serious risks to both the mother and the baby.
If you become pregnant while taking Dilantin, do not stop the medication on your own. Your healthcare provider will carefully weigh the benefits of seizure control against the potential risks and determine the safest treatment plan for you.
Drowsiness and Dizziness
Dilantin may cause:
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Problems with coordination or alertness
Until you know how the medication affects you:
- Do not drive.
- Do not operate machinery.
- Avoid activities that require mental alertness.
Alcohol and marijuana (cannabis) can worsen these side effects. In addition, alcohol may affect the amount of phenytoin in your bloodstream, making the medication less effective or increasing the risk of side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you drink alcohol or use cannabis.
When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience:
- Signs of an allergic reaction
- New or worsening depression or suicidal thoughts
- Severe dizziness or excessive drowsiness
- Increased or worsening seizures
- Any unusual or severe side effects
Regular follow-up appointments and blood tests are important while taking Dilantin. Your healthcare provider may monitor your phenytoin levels to ensure the medication remains safe and effective.
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