Question - For those who take Phenytoin/who have taken it - has the med in any way affected vestibular conditions/physical balance?

[coetzeegisela]

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Hi, I have been on Phenytoin and Carbamazapine for many years now. I must admit, I do lose balance occasionally, but it's not serious and only a minor complaint. It never affected me until someone on HealthUnlocked advised that Phenytoin is known to do this. I am still waiting to find the proof.

[milktrayman2]

Hi coetzeegisela, I have been on Phenytoin Sodium for about 20 years to treat Grand Mal Epilepsy. However, about 3 years ago I lost a lot of weight (about 3 stone) which was associated with reduced folic acid in my system. This can be a side effect of Phenytoin. During this time I had enormous problems with my sense of balance, not dizziness, more lack of co-ordination. This caused many falls and injuries. Saw my GP and had blood tests; all functions OK, except Phenytoin levels in my blood plasma were in the toxic range. Apparently, this was mainly due to the weight loss and my Phenytoin was reduced. I am now in normal blood plasma range and all of the above symptoms appear to have gone. Also, it's as though someone has sucked a cloud, or something, out of my brain as I am much more aware and sharper, mentally, than I have been for years. If you would like more details, I will gladly provide.