Show ratings & reviews for

3.9 Overall Rating

Effectiveness

Ease of Use

Satisfaction

Most voted positive review

11 People found this comment helpful

I have been on every medication there is over the last 10 years. This is the first medication that has ever worked to prevent all of my seizures both convulsive and partial. I'm not tired all day like with other medications either.

Most voted negative review

2 People found this comment helpful

I have taken three different types of medication for my Epilepsy, Dilantin 100mg kaps, Dilantin 30 mg Kaps, Those are taken together for me, Before that, I was taking Kepra 1000mg, and Before that I was taking Depakote 500 mg. When I first started taking the depakote, I was okay, and everything was fine, but for some reason I decided to do some research on the medicine and found out that it can c...

Shared reviews and ratings

Anonymous | 45-54 | Female | On medication for 10 years or more | Patient
10/13/2020
Condition: Tonic-Clonic Epilepsy
Overall rating 5.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I've been taking Dilantin for 35+ years. It has worked well for me. I have not had any seizures nor encountered any side effects of this medication. I have tried Depakote and Levetiracetam (generic Keppra) which I had horrible side effects.

Report this postFill 3Created with Sketch.
lmohxa | 65-74 | On medication for 10 years or more | Patient
4/7/2016
Condition: Prevention of Seizures following Head Injury or Surgery
Overall rating 5.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I have been on Dilantin, along with Primidone since 1971 following removal of an Astrocytoma. I started seizures at about 10 years old but now am 65. The original Parke-Davis brand has been the only one effective, when insurance forced me to use a generic brand I went into Status Epilepticus, 3X. No problems with advancing gums, but I do show osteopenia and have had jerky hands and some dizzy spells. The doctor(s) tell me this may be attributed to interaction with the blood thinner I use, Arixtra. My Part D insurance coverage will not cover brand name Dilantin so I need to find an extended release phenytoin sodium that is effective enough.Read More Read Less

Report this postFill 3Created with Sketch.
none | 45-54 | Male | On medication for 10 years or more | Patient
11/19/2015
Condition: Epileptic Seizure
Overall rating 3.3
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I have been using this for 30 years, worked great, never a problem with no side effects until Phizer took over manufacturing and the drug became less effective.(back in 07?) My doctor upped me from 300mg to 400mg and I had minor side effects. Now I have to take it 100mg in am and 300mg a hour before or a hour after dinner and at least a hour before I go to bed. Phizer claims they didnt change it from Parke Davis formula but too many people had similar problems. Used to be 100% effective even if I missed a day or two, now my life revolves around when I take this stuff. Tried Keppra but my temper was crazy and I was a little dizzy. Getting ready to try something else.Read More Read Less

Report this postFill 3Created with Sketch.
constance | 55-64 | Female | On medication for 10 years or more | Patient
9/20/2014
Condition: Prevention of Seizures following Head Injury or Surgery
Overall rating 5.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

Started this after removal of 'benign' meningioma 25 yrs. ago. Have had no problems or seizures at all.

Report this postFill 3Created with Sketch.
Sarah | 35-44 | Female | On medication for 10 years or more | Patient
4/2/2014
Condition: Convulsive Seizures
Overall rating 5.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I have what used to be referred to as "Temporal Lobe Epilepsy," which is now "Complex Partial Epilepsy." I've had seizures all my life but wasn't diagnosed until I was in my 30s after having my first grand mal seizure. My neurologist put me on Dilantin, and we didn't have much success with it until I got up to a 900 mg dose (400mg in the morning and 500 mg at night), and I've been seizure-free for nearly two years. It's amazing stuff. It has made me grow facial hair, but honestly, I'd rather just shave and have no seizures.Read More Read Less

Report this postFill 3Created with Sketch.
not bad | 35-44 | Male | On medication for 10 years or more | Patient
10/23/2013
Condition: Epileptic Seizure
Overall rating 4.3
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I've been taking Dilantin for nearly 20 years. Was having breakthrough seizures about 10 yrs ago and upped the dosage. I seem to have a breakthrough seizure about once every 3-5 years. The side effects for me aren't too bad. I get shaky hands occasionally and forgetful sometimes. Dr said that this isn't a drug that you can stay on forever because it causes bone loss. Had a bone density scan recently and it was normal, but eventually I'll have to switch.

Report this postFill 3Created with Sketch.
oldnco | 55-64 | Male | On medication for 10 years or more | Patient
3/13/2013
Condition: Convulsive Seizures
Overall rating 3.3
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I started having seizures in '76. At that time they started me on Dilantin and Phenobarbytol(?) which had me in "la,la" land. They stopped the Phenobarb and I stayed on Dilantin for over 30 Yrs. It caused an increase in cholesteral and Tryglyceride levels, which the Drs. wouldn't recognize as the culpret. But after 30 Yrs and Countless "Break through" seizures i found a Neurologist that saw the damage that this drug did to me, namely, Neuropathy in my legs which I had been asking about for at least 15 Yrs from various MDs and no one figured it out until my current Neurologist who changed me over to Keppra and Lyrica for the Neuropathic Leg pain. After a short period of transition I have had no further problems with seizures. The Keppra stopped the seizures. There are studies that have shown that Dilantin saps the body's supply of Vitamin D. Which when lowered enough can cause these"break through seizures" and nerve damage over the long run. I believe that for a short course it is fine. But I believe there are so many other meds available now that long term usage should be avoided where it can be. Read More Read Less

Report this postFill 3Created with Sketch.
dilantincfd2a | 75 or over | Male | On medication for 10 years or more |
2/23/2013
Condition: Epileptic Seizure
Overall rating 4.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

level is above normal 15.6

Report this postFill 3Created with Sketch.
Lbcarson | 25-34 | Female | On medication for 6 months to less than 1 year | Patient
10/23/2012
Condition: Seizure Occurring during Neurosurgery
Overall rating 3.3
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I was on this medication for months without a seizure, then had 2 in one day. a onth later I was feelingnfine then all of a sudden I came to and had hit a brick drive way, and busted into a telephone pole.

Report this postFill 3Created with Sketch.
Anonymous | 25-34 | Female | On medication for 10 years or more | Patient
3/26/2012
Condition: Epileptic Seizure
Overall rating 4.7
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I am having trouble sleeping.I have not had a seizure since I have been taking this medication.Except when my shunt is not working.

Report this postFill 3Created with Sketch.
Anonymous | 55-64 | Male | On medication for less than 1 month | Patient
2/7/2012
Condition: Simple Partial Seizures
Overall rating 3.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

Haven't had a seizure in 5 months so I am not sure how well it may have prevented them because on day 9 I started breaking out in a rash which now covers my whole body. Medication stopped and will try a different medication. I took Keppra which made me depressed and suicidal even though it controled the seziures. Will now go to a third drug.

Report this postFill 3Created with Sketch.
none | 45-54 | Female | On medication for less than 1 month | Patient
1/14/2012
Condition: Convulsive Seizures
Overall rating 1.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

This RX gave me a minor stroke, episodes of angina, & almost killed me - the "neurologist" treating me (no more) did not consider the 20+ chronic liver disease I also have. Please read warnings on all RX's before taking. May God keep you safe.

Report this postFill 3Created with Sketch.
c1st20th | 55-64 | Male | On medication for 10 years or more | Patient
1/12/2012
Condition: Prevention of Seizures following Head Injury or Surgery
Overall rating 4.7
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

Gunshot wound to brain RVN 1969. No seizures for 15 years. Stopped Dilantin and had gran mal 2 yrs later. Dr prescribed tegrital had gran mal after 1 month w/new medication. I'm back on Dilantin and have not had a gran mal for 25 years. Important to have your dilantin levels checked ever 6 months. Bleeding gums can be reduced w/soft toothbrush, brushing min twice daily. Dose has varied between 300 and 500 mg daily.

Report this postFill 3Created with Sketch.
Anonymous | 65-74 | On medication for 10 years or more | Patient
11/20/2011
Condition: Epileptic Seizure
Overall rating 5.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I was given too much dilantin by a local doctor and had dizzy spells and hands jerking, Have 4 herniated discs from falls and have to to have surgery now. Dr still has me on dilantin but am afraid to use it.

Report this postFill 3Created with Sketch.
In Vermont | 55-64 | Female | On medication for 1 to 6 months | Patient
9/18/2011
Condition: Epileptic Seizure
Overall rating 3.7
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

It took a while to get the right level of Dilantin in my system. I had just about every side effect that was listed. The worst were sleeplessness and joint pain. It overrode the HRT I was on so hot flashes returned, and facial hair increased, plus bleeding gums. I am now weaning off of it. Weaning onto the new drug has not been fun but I think I will be in a better place with it.

Report this postFill 3Created with Sketch.
the special angel | 55-64 | Female | On medication for 10 years or more | Patient
4/5/2011
Condition: Tonic-Clonic Epilepsy
Overall rating 5.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I have taken this medication since June,1965 and it controlls my seizures but I can not take the generic. Since the generic came out I have tried using it at least 5 times and had a seizure within 14 to 21 days. I think it maybe because I have taken the Brand Name for so long before generic was available. Has anyone else had this problem ?

Report this postFill 3Created with Sketch.
mbest | 55-64 | Male | On medication for 10 years or more | Patient
10/14/2010
Condition: Epileptic Seizure
Overall rating 5.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction
Report this postFill 3Created with Sketch.
mr.me | 25-34 | Male | On medication for 2 to less than 5 years | Patient
9/7/2010
Condition: Convulsive Seizures
Overall rating 4.7
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

it helps your brain to relax

Report this postFill 3Created with Sketch.
sstumme | 55-64 | Female | Patient
7/14/2010
Condition: Epileptic Seizure
Overall rating 5.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction

I havent had a seizure in 28 years using Dilantin

Report this postFill 3Created with Sketch.
Anonymous | 45-54 | Male | On medication for 10 years or more | Patient
4/19/2010
Condition: Epileptic Seizure
Overall rating 5.0
Effectiveness
Ease of Use
Satisfaction
Report this postFill 3Created with Sketch.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT USER-GENERATED CONTENT ON WEBMD

The opinions expressed in WebMD User-generated content areas like communities, reviews, ratings, or blogs are solely those of the User, who may or may not have medical or scientific training. These opinions do not represent the opinions of WebMD. User-generated content areas are not reviewed by a WebMD physician or any member of the WebMD editorial staff for accuracy, balance, objectivity, or any other reason except for compliance with our Terms and Conditions.

Read More