Shortly after the seizure medication Dilantin came on the market, concerns began to emerge about the extent of Dilantin therapy side effects. Recent studies have concluded that Dilantin side effects could include conditions affecting the patient’s brain, including cerebellar ataxia and cerebellar atrophy.

Most patients expect that prescribed medications carry some risk of side effects, many of which are mild. But when unexpected and severe side effects occur outside of what is described on the drug’s labeling, patients might not catch these symptoms until its too late. By that time for Dilantin patients, serious medical conditions like cerebellar ataxia or cerebellar atrophy may have developed.

The Dilantin medication is typically prescribed as an anti-epileptic for treating people who suffer from seizures and epilepsy.

While stopping medication use without guidance from a doctor is not recommended, patients who have experienced unexplained side effects need to report their concerns to a physician.

Some of the most common Dilantin therapy side effects include cerebellar ataxia and cerebellar atrophy, also known as cerebellar degeneration.

Unfortunately, cerebellar degeneration and cerebellar ataxia are possible Dilantin therapy side effects about which patients might not be aware until they begin to experience the symptoms. Further, the risk of Dilantin therapy side effects could increase if the patient has been taking the medication for a long period of time, according to studies.

Damage to any portion of a patient’s cerebellum can have impacts on the entire body. These reported Dilantin therapy side effects linked to the cerebellum can manifest as jerky movements in the legs or arms, speech that is slow and slurred in nature, memory loss, or a lurching and unsteady walk.  Cerebellar atrophy can advance and affect a patient’s coordination, speech or even movement.

Typical causes of cerebellar atrophy include multiple sclerosis, stroke, seizures, tumors, and other cerebellar disorders. However, long term use of the Dilantin medication has also been connected to the development of brain conditions such as cerebellar atrophy or cerebellar ataxia.

A 2003 study identified that cerebellar atrophy ranging from moderate to severe was connected with the long-term use of Dilantin. Recovery from these dangerous conditions might occur when a patient discontinues the medication, but Dilantin withdrawal should always be closely monitored by a physician.

Some injuries connected with Dilantin therapy side effects have been reported as permanent. The most severe of these is cerebellar ataxia, referring to a lack of muscle coordination resulting from damage to the cerebellum.

Even though the other symptoms might be reduced upon the discontinuation of this medicine, a patient who is experiencing these Dilantin side effects might not be able regain full control of their muscles after suffering.

Patients who have already begun to experience these symptoms and side effects should carefully evaluate their condition and consider a consultation with their physician as soon as possible to identify whether or not continuation of the drug is recommended.