The Dr. who put you on the Dilantin should tell you the rate (and if)
you could reduce the Dilantin.  It would depend on blood levels and
usually would be reduced slowly (over 4+ weeks) to prevent risk of
side effects, and to watch that szrs. don't return.
  I haven't used Dilantin for a long time (1995), but was told it's
usually used first as it's one of the oldest, so longest researched
and cheapest medications, with side effects usually less than some
newer pills.
 The reason you should do it with the Dr. is the Dilantin might be
preventing szrs. you're not aware of (while you are taking it), and
prompt withdrawal without medical supervision could cause the szrs. to
return.

   Did the Dr. say why withdrawal of the other Medication caused the
szrs. to start with?  Usually a Grand Mal is a stronger szr, and you
had 3 'back to back' then.   But the fact you haven't had any since
last year, wouldn't necessarliy mean that the current dose levels you
are using aren't stopping them from returning.  That's where the Dr.
would come in.    G./

Hi kc,

I had a series of seizures beginning in my late 20s that I believe
were medicine related. I was treated at first with Depakote, which has
very significant side effects, although of course this varies from
person to person. I think from experience you should measure which
scenario would give you the best quality of life:
Staying on the drug, even if you may not need it, to avoid withdrawal
and protect you in the event that your seizures are chronic. This
means accepting the side effects you may experience on Dilantin, if
any.

Or:

Under your Doctor's supervision, scale off as slowly as you are
comfortable with, and commit to a few months or so where you will have
to really watch yourself and stay away from situations that trigger
seizure or would put you in danger were you to have one. Although
scary, you may discover that you do not need to be medicated, which
would be excellent. Avoiding anxiety will be crucial if you take this
option, as you could potentially give yourself a seizure simply from
worrying about having one!

In my experience with meds, going off Depakote, which was the only
completely effective drug for me, was completely worthwhile. It made
me incapable of living a normal life, and I felt it was very bad for
my general long term health. I had seizures after I went off the drug.
Ultimately, I decided on Lamictal, which while far less effective,
does not have the debilitating side effects. If you can commit to life
changes that will protect you from seizure causing situations, I feel
it is always great to at least try low or no meds. In your case, I'd
certainly want to to know if I even still had seizures and needed
Dilantin at all. Good Luck!

Hi KC, Although I don't take Dilantin myself, I thought you might be
interested in this, I found it on the google and it tells you all about
the effects/after effects of this particular med.

http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/phenyt_ad.htm

Sofie

FOR STARTERS: Side effects vary person to person so dont take
everything too serious.
Plus some side effects might be part of your body ajdusting in the
very beginning 2-3 weeks...

Dilantin: I was on it most of life and then seizure free. eventually
off the medications 100%....then a fever driven Grand Mal surfaced and
I was back on Dilantin and Phenolbarbital.
 I had skin problems ( cysts, etc)
 I had gum bleeding problems and had to have gum surgery and 4 teeth
pulled
I later found out when your on Diliantin for a long period, have a gap
and then back on it the side effects can be complex.....

Finally switched to Tegretol and Depakote after the Phenol was
effecting my memory, day to day functions, etc.....

Depakote then caused blood and liver problems and I'm now on Keppra
and Tegretol....

Are you seeing a Neurologist specializing with Epilepsy/
Seizures ????
If not I suggest pursuing it to get a better medication for your
case.......

George