Suddenly stopping Rapitoin may cause non-stop seizures (called status epilepticus), which can endanger life. Hence, do not stop taking the medicine without consulting your doctor. If required, your doctor may slowly reduce the dose before stopping it completely.

Rapitoin does affect birth control. Rapitoin can decrease the effect of oral contraceptives (birth control pills) which can make the contraceptive (birth control) effect unreliable. Please talk to your doctor if you are asked to take the two medicines together as you may need to use extra protection for birth control.

Rapitoin does not have side effects which are commonly associated with the use of phenytoin such as injection site irritation and sudden changes in the heart rate (arrhythmia), hence Rapitoin is better than phenytoin.

Rapitoin can make you feel sleepy (sedation, somnolence, and drowsiness). Please consult your doctor if you feel very sleepy after taking Rapitoin, especially during the first few weeks of treatment or following a dose increase. Talk to your doctor as you may be advised not to drive or use machines until it is established that your ability to perform such activities is not affected.

The most common side effects related to Rapitoin in children are jerky movements of the eyes (nystagmus) and overgrowth of the gums. In some children, Rapitoin causes problems with thinking or behavior, mood change, slow or clumsy movements, or a loss of energy. Other side effects from high doses include unsteadiness in the feet and hands, sleepiness, and vomiting. These may be avoidable if the dose is increased slowly. These side effects quickly disappear when the dose is reduced.

On an average, Rapitoin may stay in your system for 5-6 days. This duration varies from person to person. In some cases, it may stay for about 9-10 days.

No, Rapitoin has not been reported to cause weight gain. However, weight loss can occur with longer term use of a higher dose of Rapitoin. Please consult your doctor if you experience weight gain after taking Rapitoin.

Overdose of Rapitoin may cause jerky movements of the eyes (nystagmus), unclear speech, loss of balance, tremor, muscle stiffness or weakness, nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness, fainting, blurred vision, slow and shallow breathing and even coma. Rapitoin overdose can cause very low blood pressure and respiratory problems. As a result of this, the patient can even die.