What is Dilantin?

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Dilantin Overview

Dilantin (phenytoin) is a medication that has been used as a treatment for seizures since it was approved for use. In addition to treating grand mal and partial complex seizures, Dilantin may be prescribed to brain surgery patients to prevent seizures during or after surgery.

Phenytoin works to manage seizures by decreasing the brain’s neurological response to stimuli. This helps to prevent seizures that are triggered by environmental changes such as flashing lights.

Dilantin Side Effects

According to the Dilantin website, common side effects of Dilantin may include: irregular movements of the eye, problems with movement and balance, slurred speech, coordination problems, drowsiness, nausea, excessive hair growth, and confusion. Other side effects may include: hypotension, tremors, neuropathy, suicidal tendencies, Stevens Johnson Syndrome, liver problems, low blood counts, bone softening leading to fractures, high blood sugar, and encephalopathy.

Some consumers claim that Dilantin is linked to a degenerative neurological condition known as cerebellar atrophy. This condition involved the neurological connections in the cerebellum to be destroyed, which can have a number of movement and coordination side effects.

The cerebellum, the small round brain structure situated at the top of the spinal cord, helps to control movement and balance. When the structure is healthy and undamaged, it helps individuals walk smoothly, maintain their balance, and make precise movements. Cerebellar atrophy causes damage to the structure, which can lead to unsteady walking, slow or jerky movements, slow/slurred speech, memory loss, and other symptoms.

Cerebellar atrophy is typically caused by multiple sclerosis, tumors, seizures, and other conditions that affect the cerebellum. However, phenytoin toxicity may be among cerebellar atrophy causes.

Scientific studies have linked Dilantin use with cerebellar atrophy for decades. Scientists have aimed to explore the link and exactly how phenytoin influences cerebellar atrophy. A study in 1994 aimed to determine if cerebellar atrophy in phenytoin patients was actually caused by the drug or if seizures were the cause. In the end, the scientists determined that long-term treatment with phenytoin did have an affect on the development of cerebellar atrophy.

“Cerebellar atrophy may be seen in phenytoin-exposed patients with epilepsy in the absence of generalized tonic-clonic seizures or preexistent brain damage,” the study concluded.

Dilantin Lawsuits

Dilantin manufacturers have been faced with numerous lawsuits claiming that they knew that their phenytoin drugs could lead to severe side effects but concealed those risks from consumers.

Pfizer, the manufacturer of Dilantin, was accused of concealing the risk of cerebellar atrophy in a Dilantin lawsuit filed by an Arizona woman. Plaintiff Meredith T. allegedly took the drug for a long period of time which resulted in her developing severe side effects including cerebellar atrophy. She allegedly experienced memory loss, vision problems, and gait disturbances due to the degenerative neurological condition. Due to these side effects, Meredith reportedly requires a live-in caretaker to help her with simple, everyday activities.

Also included in the Dilantin lawsuit were claims from plaintiff Roger W. According to the phenytoin lawsuit, Roger took the drug for decades before he developed cerebellar atrophy. He now allegedly suffers from memory loss, gait disturbances, and balance problems.