Posted by Elizabeth on October 19, 2001, at 12:18:59
In reply to Re: elusive putative seizure disorder, posted by PattyG on October 17, 2001, at 18:08:34
> My son was originally prescribed 300 mgs. of Dilantin (daily) We misunderstood - he only took 2 capsules (200 mgs.) and then began with 300 mgs.
How did that miscommunication happen? (Starting at a lower dose and then increasing it actually makes sense.)
> Nurse called today and said doc was concerned as his levels were low and to increase to 400 mgs. per day. Normal is 10-20 and he is at 4. This is after 2 solid weeks on 300 mgs. and 2 weeks prior to that on 200 mgs. I need the "mildly retarded" version of what all this means:)
Two weeks should be plenty of time to achieve steady state levels. How long before the blood draw did he take the Dilantin?
> He is already unhappy with this med as he feels very groggy (says he's getting more "hairy" and skin is more oily.)
The sedation is a common side effect of anticonvulsants. The other stuff, I'm not sure about (it sounds sort of hormone-ish, tho').
> Also...........maybe it's my imagination, but I think he's talked more to me in the past 4 days than in the past 4 months! We had company Sat. & Sun. and he actually mingled a bit and TALKED. Is this type medication also a mood elevator as well as mood stabilizer??? Input please!
Some people get relief from anxiety when they take anticonvulsants. That might be what your son is experiencing. It sounds like he has some social anxiety. No?
-elizabeth
poster:Elizabeth
thread:79454
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011015/msgs/81674.html