conundrum with dilantin

[jacost4]

Hello!
I have recently quit drinking to support my boyfriend's need to do the same. I never had any physical or emotional problem stopping, even though I have abused alcohol for over 20 years. (I am the life of the party!
My boyfriend, on the other hand is a chronic alcoholic. I was not aware of how much he drank secretively and thought a lot of physical problems he was experiencing these past 2 years were primarily related to his sleep apnea/narcolepsy.(slurring, stumbling,ect...) I was shocked when he had an alcoholic seizure at work one day, suffered a head injury from his fall, and then one in the hospital a few hours later. He stayed in the hospital for about 10 days and was released with a prescription for Dilantin (400 mg / day). He has had MAJOR problems with this drug for 3 months - nausea, double vision, vertigo, mental confusion - everything short of the rash I have read about in articles about Dilantin overdose. He is also on 20 mg clonidine, which he started 6 weeks ago. He is finding it hard to function and appears to be getting worse.
It is very difficult to find a G.P. who is willing to take on new clients in this area (he moved here 3 years ago).Without a G.P. it is difficult to get a referral to a neurologist. He has been making the circuit of emergency rooms and walk in clinics to try to resolve this med. issue. Out of the 6 he's seen 2 have supported a reduced dose, most say to stick with the program. There have been no offers of alternative meds. He is afraid to do either - put up with the slow poisoning of dilantin or risk another seizure.
My question: is there a "nicer" alternative anti convulsant to dilantin? How much would his sleep apnea be contributing to his sensitivity to Dilantin? How long will he have to stay on anti - convulsants with no history of epilepsy? How does he advocate for himself with doctors?
Any help, even stories of similar personal experiences, I would greatly appreciate!!!

[historyteach]

Hi, jacost,
And welcome to SR!

You and your b/f are certainly going through a tough time!
Mark will be here to answer your concern.
In the meantime, please feel free to go over to the friends and family of alcoholics forum. You'll find good support there.

I wish you the best.
Shalom!

[MarkSichelCSW]

Given the limitations of the health services in Canada I feel for your situation and its sad that you can't find proper medical care where you are.

I can't give advice about medications as I'm not an M.D.but I would imagine that if you're willing to pay a neurologist out of pocket you could get someone to see you. I know that's a big financial strain...but seizures are a serious medical problem and something that can't be dealt with lightly or through guess work.