Reduced phenytoin levels in an epileptic patient following Roux-En-Y gastric bypass for obesity

Obes Surg. 2011 May;21(5):684-5. doi: 10.1007/s11695-010-0107-1.

Abstract

Despite widespread uptake of bariatric procedures for severe obesity, changes in pharmacodynamics after surgery are poorly understood. We report an epileptic patient who had a seizure following gastric bypass, although he had been asymptomatic for 30 years and without any change in his treatment. Phenytoin levels were undetectable despite a high dose. Drugs with a narrow therapeutic range such as phenytoin should be prescribed with caution after bariatric surgery.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anticonvulsants / blood
  • Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use
  • Body Mass Index
  • Epilepsy / blood*
  • Gastric Bypass*
  • Humans
  • Lamotrigine
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Obesity, Morbid / physiopathology
  • Obesity, Morbid / surgery
  • Phenytoin / blood*
  • Phenytoin / therapeutic use
  • Postoperative Period
  • Triazines / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants
  • Triazines
  • Phenytoin
  • Lamotrigine