Dilantin (Phenytoin), Seizures and Marijuana (Cannabis): An alternative treatment
April 29, 2010One CommentDisease Treatment
cannabis,
cannabis indica,
cannabis sativa,
constipation,
dental hygiene,
dilantin,
dizziness,
Dr Sean Breen,
drowsiness,
epilepsy,
fatigue,
involuntary movements,
marijuana evaluations,
Medical Marijuana,
medical marijuana card,
nausea,
nocturnal seizures,
overgrowth of gums,
phenytoin,
seizures,
vomiting,
www.mcsocal.com
I recently evaluated a 52 year old male patient who suffered from Nocturnal Seizures and had been started on Dilantin (Phenytoin). He said that although the medication was working to reduce the amount of seizures he suffered from severe fatigue and “zero appetite”. He was coming for a recommendation to use medical cannabis as he has been using it with “amazing results” and wanted to “be legal”.
Dilantin is a medication used in patients that suffer from seizures. Unfortunately it has many debilitating side effects and its blood levels have to be monitored. This patient was suffering from severe fatigue and no appetite. He stated that he used a sativa strain of cannabis which increase his energy levels during the day an also gave him a healthy appetite. Without it he would suffer to the point of not wanting to take his medication. Unfortunately the consequences of having seizures would be disastrous. So cannabis was a perfect fit in his situation. Cannabis has also shown to have anti-seizure properties which is an added bonus.
Other common side effects of taking dilantin are abdominal pain, constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, unsteady gated, abnormal involuntary movements and overgrowth of the gums which requires good dental hygiene.
If you take dilantin and would like to see if cannabis is right to help you deal with it’s side effects I would be happy to go over your medical history and see if it’s a good option.
As medical director for Medical Cannabis of Southern California I currently see patients full time in my Orange County and Long Beach offices. To make an appointment feel free to give my staff a call at 877-721-0047.
Hi, My name is Awn and I was diagnosed with hydrocephalus when I was 2 months old. I have been on Dilantin since I was 13 yrs old (the first time i had any seizures) and the doctor told me to stick to it until the seizures go away. I spoke with my doctor and he advised me to try marijuana and see if it helps. I’ve been smoking everyday ever since but the only concern is, should I keep on taking Dilantin with marjuana or should I just stop marijuana now (I’ve been feeling really low, depressed and “zero appetite”. I don’t know what’s the reason behind it but a word of advise would be much appreciated.