Clinical studies have concluded that the epilepsy drug Dilantin is linked to brain atrophy, or cerebellar atrophy, from long-term use of the antiepileptic drug.

The development of cerebellar atrophy from the epilepsy drug Dilantin is the degeneration of the cerebellum, affecting functions such as speech, movement, and coordination.

The epilepsy drug Dilantin (phenytoin), is an antiepileptic or anticonvulsant drug prescribed to prevent and control seizures. The medication functions to decrease the spread of seizure activity in the brain.

Overview: Dilantin Side Effects

There are several side effects reported with the use of Dilantin including cerebellar atrophy. The side effects from the epilepsy drug Dilantin may occur regardless of dosage levels or adherence to intake instructions.

Dilantin is an anticonvulsant medication that is prescribed to treat epilepsy and seizures. It was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1953 for use in seizures.

According to the Epilepsy Foundation, epilepsy is a chronic condition. The hallmark of epilepsy is current, unprovoked seizures.

The Foundation states on their website that a person becomes diagnosed with epilepsy if they have “two unprovoked seizures (or one unprovoked seizure with the likelihood of more) that were not caused by some known and reversible medical condition like alcohol withdrawal or extremely low blood sugar.”

However, Dilantin brain side effects have become an increasingly prevalent concern to the medical community and patient population. One reason being is the serious adverse side effect, known as cerebellar atrophy that have been associated the epileptic drug.

Cerebellar atrophy is focal and marks the loss of neurons and their transmission of electrical signals through neurological pathways within the cerebellum. The cerebellum is part of the brain that sits just below the cerebrum and behind the brain stem.

There can be a significant loss of brain function once the cerebrum becomes damaged, as it regulates and monitors smooth voluntary movements. Some loss of function can include loss of speech, posture, balance, and coordination.

Symptoms of individuals who have developed cerebellar atrophy may include some of the following: memory loss; slow and slurred speech; Nystagmus, or eyes that move in a small and rapid manner; movements in the arms or legs that are unsteady, slow, and jerky; and a lurching walk.

Other common side effects of Dilantin can include confusion, unwanted hair growth, difficulty falling and staying asleep, overgrowth of gums, headache, nausea, slurred speech, and slowed thinking. Moreover, serious Dilantin side effects include the yellowing of the skin or eyes, fevers, blisters, pain in the upper portion of the stomach, flu symptoms, and unusual bleeding.

There have been several published studies linking cerebellar atrophy to prolonged use of Dilantin. In a published study in the Seizure European Journal of Epilepsy, the study evaluated patients’ lengths of time taking Dilantin and the adverse side effects of cerebellar atrophy development. They found a correlated link between cerebellar atrophy and long-term Dilantin use.

While recovery is possible for patients soon after being prescribed Dilantin, in some cases irreversible damage may result after long-term use of the medication.