How To Stop Phenytoin
Phenytoin is an anticonvulsant medication prescribed to control and prevent grand mal and temporal lobe seizures. Grand mal seizures are characterized by a sudden unconscious state followed by convulsions. Temporal lobe seizures are caused by a disease in the area of the brain which affects hearing, memory, sight, taste and movement. The medication works in your brain by slowing the impulses which can result in seizures. Do not stop taking phenytoin abruptly or you will be at an increased risk of having an adverse reaction.
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Instructions
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Call your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication on your own. Your doctor will be able to give you a schedule to gradually decrease your dosage of phenytoin, which should prevent any withdrawal symptoms or adverse reactions.
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Follow your doctor's instructions. Your doctor may recommend quickly reducing your dosage or he may take a more gradual approach. This will depend on a variety of factors such as the dosage that you have been taking and the severity of your condition. For example, you may be required to split your dose in half for two weeks before dividing it in half again for another two weeks, repeating the process until you are off of the medication entirely.
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Be prepared for possible adverse reactions. Your seizures may return, increase or worsen as you stop this medication. Additionally, our doctor may want you to monitor your blood sugar, particularly if you are diabetic, since phenytoin can affect your blood sugar levels (most notably when you are either starting or stopping the medication).
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Tips & Warnings
Always carry an identification card or medical bracelet while taking phenytoin. In the event of a medical emergency, doctors and nurses will need this information.
If you miss a dose of phenytoin, you should take it as soon as possible. If the time for your next dose is approaching, skip the one that you've missed and take it at the next scheduled time. Do not take an extra dose to compensate.
If you are not achieving the desired results while taking this medication, talk to your doctor about your options. You may need a dosage adjustment or a change in medications.
Abruptly stopping this medication will increase your risk of seizures and may cause repeated attacks without recovering consciousness between seizures. This is called status epilepticus and can be fatal.
While taking phenytoin, watch for any change in mood or behavior. Phenytoin has been linked to an increase in suicidal thoughts and depression in some patients.
This article is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor.
