On Jan, 16, 2011: 10 people who reported to have interactions when taking Cymbalta, Dilantin are studied
http://www.ehealthme.com/dilantin-cymbalta-3714166
A real world approach to drugs:: many drug interactions, side effects, or effectiveness can not be detected when drugs are approved. They may be found only after drugs have been used by millions of people and for a long time. Patients and health professionals alone are not able to conduct these large, long term studies. On eHealthMe, now you can study 30 million real world outcomes of 25,000 drugs since 1977 from FDA and community, drill down to an outcome or interacting drug, and more.
eHealthMe real world results:
For people in general:
Top 5 interactions experienced by people in the use of Cymbalta, Dilantin:
| Interaction | How frequent is it: Number of people (% of total people) |
|
| 1 | Stevens-johnson Syndrome (Erythema multiforme) | 8 (80.00%) |
| 2 | Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (Erythema multiforme) | 8 (80.00%) |
| 3 | Therapeutic Agent Toxicity | 4 (40.00%) |
| 4 | Neuropathy Peripheral | 3 (30.00%) |
| 5 | High Blood Pressure | 2 (20.00%) |
Top 5 interactions experienced by people in long term use of Cymbalta, Dilantin:
| Interaction | How frequent is it: Number of people (% of long term users) |
|
| 1 | Abnormal Dreams | 2 (66.67%) |
| 2 | Balance | 2 (66.67%) |
| 3 | Repetitive Speech | 2 (66.67%) |
| 4 | High Blood Pressure | 2 (66.67%) |
| 5 | Word Salad | 2 (66.67%) |
How effective are the drugs * :
| not at all | somewhat | moderate | high | very high | |
| Cymbalta | 0.00% | 0.00% | 100.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Dilantin | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 100.00% | 0.00% |
* May not be available in all reports.
In-depth study of top side effects (what, who, how):
- Abnormal Dreams
- Balance
- High Blood Pressure
- Neuropathy Peripheral
- Repetitive Speech
- Stevens-johnson Syndrome (Erythema Multiforme)
- Therapeutic Agent Toxicity
- Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (Erythema Multiforme)
http://www.health32.com/phenytoin/
What is Phenytoin?
Phenytoin is an anti-epileptic drug, also called an anticonvulsant. It works by slowing down impulses in the brain that cause seizures.
Phenytoin is used to control seizures. Phenytoin is not made to treat all types of seizures, and your doctor will determine if it is the right medication for you.
Phenytoin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Phenytoin?
If you are taking phenytoin to prevent seizures, keep taking the medication even if you feel fine. You may have an increase in seizures if you stop taking phenytoin.
Do not change your dose of phenytoin without your doctor’s advice. Tell your doctor if the medication does not seem to work as well in treating your condition.
You may have thoughts about suicide while taking this medication. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, depression, anxiety, or if you feel agitated, hostile, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Phenytoin?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to phenytoin.
If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests:
- liver disease
- porphyria
- diabetes; or
- a vitamin D deficiency or any other condition that causes thinning of the bones
You may have thoughts about suicide while taking this medication. Tell your doctor if you have new or worsening depression or suicidal thoughts during the first several months of treatment, or whenever your dose is changed.
Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
Patients of Asian ancestry may have a higher risk of developing a rare but serious skin reaction to phenytoin. Your doctor may recommend a blood test before you start the medication to determine your risk of this skin reaction.
Phenytoin can affect your blood sugar. If you are a diabetic, check your blood sugar regularly while you are taking this medication.
Phenytoin Side Effects
What are the possible side effects of Phenytoin?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, depression, anxiety, or if you feel agitated, hostile, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
- swollen glands, easy bruising or bleeding, swollen or tender gums
- fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash
- the first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild
- confusion, hallucinations, unusual thoughts or behavior
- slurred speech, loss of balance or coordination
- tremor (uncontrolled shaking), restless muscle movements in your eyes, tongue, jaw, or neck
- extreme thirst or hunger, urinating more than usual
- loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
- changes in the shape of your face or lips
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Phenytoin Interactions
What other drugs affect Phenytoin?
Drugs that can increase phenytoin levels in your blood include:
- stomach acid reducers such as cimetidine (Tagamet), ranitidine (Zantac), famotidine (Pepcid), or nizatidine (Axid)
- certain sedatives (such as Librium or Valium) or antidepressants (such as Prozac)
- estrogen hormone replacement
- chlorpromazine (Thorazine), prochlorperazine (Compazine), thioridazine (Mellaril) and other phenothiazines
- disulfiram (Antabuse)
- methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Daytrana); and
- sulfa drugs such as Septra or Bactrim
Drugs that can make phenytoin less effective in controlling seizures include carbamazepine (Tegretol, Epitol, Carbatrol), sucralfate (Carafate), and molindone (Moban).