While most of us are aware that a drug injury can happen to anyone, most of the time we really don’t think it could happen to us.

However, if you or a loved one has suffered harm as the result of a popular antiepileptic drug, you may consider consulting with a Dilantin injury attorney to review your legal options.

What is Dilantin?

Dilantin (phenytoin) is an antiepileptic drug whose use extends far beyond just treating epileptic seizures. Physicians have found that Dilantin is successful in treating a variety of other conditions, many of which are psychological in nature.

Dilantin has been helpful in treating the symptoms of depression, anxiety, ADHD, eating disorders, Tourette’s syndrome, obsessive-compulsive disorder, problems with concentration, migraines, restless leg syndrome and more.

Some patients have found that Dilantin has treated their medical issues where other medications were not successful. However, some patients have found that Dilantin has caused even more problems than it was initially prescribed to treat.

Dilantin Complications

As with any medication, mild to moderate side effects are common. With Dilantin, these may include insomnia, dizziness, headache, rash, nausea, vomiting, stomach problems and more.

Many of these symptoms resolve after the body has adjusted to the medication, though some may persist. Depending on their severity, it may be judged that the benefits of the drug outweigh these mild side effects.

For others taking Dilantin, the complications are much more severe. Dilantin has been associated with degenerative changes in the brain that sometimes may stop when the medication is terminated, while other times the effects may be permanent.

Dilantin has been linked to a condition known as cerebellar atrophy. Cerebellar refers to a part of the brain known as the cerebellum, which is responsible for the coordination of movement and balance. Atrophy refers to a degeneration or loss in brain cells (neurons) and neuronal connections, essentially causing the brain to shrink and affecting the activities performed by the cerebellum.

The effects of cerebellar atrophy are similar to those experienced by a person who has been intoxicated with alcohol, but the effects do not wear off as in the case with alcohol use. Individuals with cerebellar atrophy have difficulty walking, unsteady gait, tremors, loss of balance, slurred speech, dizziness, confusion and more.

A number of research studies have confirmed an association between Dilantin use and cerebellar atrophy. The longer a patient has used Dilantin, the more severe the neurological effects can be seen.

Consulting a Dilantin Injury Attorney

Patients or their loved ones who have experienced severe complications from Dilantin use should consider consulting with a Dilantin injury attorney.

Plaintiffs who go on to file product liability lawsuits against drug manufacturers often do so to send a strong message to the company that patient safety should be of utmost importance.

Many plaintiffs feel that the drug maker has failed to properly warn patients and physicians of the severe nature of side effects that can be experienced with the normal use of the drug.

A successful lawsuit can cause the drug company to pay punitive damages as a punishment for the allegations against it. Additionally, patients and loved ones can recover costs related to medical expenses, pain and suffering and more.

Consulting with a Dilantin injury attorney is free for those who qualify. After reviewing your case, a Dilantin injury attorney can guide you in the legal options that are available to you.