I placed my Mom in an AD unit within a NH July 2. Upon admission, they ran some blood tests and determined that Mom's dilantin level was low so the Nh Doctor upped her dosage. well, in the last week or so Mom has become VERY weak and unable to take more than 5 or 6 steps w/out being TOTALLY exhausted! They are checking today for a UTI and I have requested a dilantin level blood test. Has anyone here ever encountered this dilemma?

Dilantin can cause drowsiness & insomnia, along w/stomach problems, loss of appetite, weight loss, etc. It could be making her weak or it could be the progress of the disease, your doc should know. I'd suggest you, and everyone else, buy a current drug book so you can easily look up interactions, side effects, what foods, supplements or activities to avoid, etc. Especially with AD, there are often so many drugs for the AD & other conditions a patient may have. Good luck, hope she gets her strength back.

Hi,

Another couple of things to consider about the Dilantin blood level:
* If your Mom had been giving herself her meds prior to moving to the NH, she may have missed doses of the Dilantin, resulting in the initial low blood level. If this was the case, then her normal Dilantin dose, given correctly, may be all that she needed and the higher dose may well be too high.
* If you Mom has lost weight since admission to the NH, she may need the dose reduced.

A pharmacist can be of help in checking for drug interactions.

I wish you well! Barbara

Thank you for your replies! They are doing a dilantin level check on Mom today. She lived with me prior to her placement and I gave her her meds so she got the proper dosage. I HATE THIS DISEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This by far thr cruelest disease of all! (SORRY! That was my heart having a moment) But, again, THANKS! Donna