Dilantin is a popular anticonvulsant drug used not only to treat seizure activity in affected individuals, but is used in wider applications as well.

Dilantin is used to treat symptoms of anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder, aggressive behavior, Tourette’s syndrome, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and other psychological conditions.

For many, Dilantin is a wonder drug in its ability to treat individuals who have not been helped by a plethora of other pharmaceuticals.

However, what many may not know is that Dilantin long-term side effects may affect the brain’s functioning, causing more severe problems to develop.

Dilantin Long-Term Side Effects

The most concerning of all the Dilantin long-term side effects is the fact that the medication has been linked to brain atrophy and degeneration.

Dilantin is linked to a condition known as cerebral atrophy. Cerebral atrophy is a condition that causes a loss of brain cells. More specifically, it is a focal cerebral atrophy, meaning it affects a specific part of the brain, rather than the brain as a whole.

Dilantin affects a specific part of the brain known as the cerebellum. The cerebellum is a structure in the brain that is responsible for the coordination of movement and balance. Dilantin’s effects directly influence the body’s activities that are controlled by the cerebellum.

Cerebellar Atrophy Symptoms

A number of symptoms are related to the cerebellar atrophy linked with Dilantin use. In general, these symptoms closely mimic those experienced by individuals who are intoxicated from alcohol. Alcohol affects the cerebellum, so many symptoms are similar between excess alcohol intake and cerebellar atrophy.

These symptoms include:

• Unsteady gait
• Difficulty in standing upright
• Tripping, unsteadiness, staggering or even falling when walking
• Jerky, erratic movements of the arms and legs
• Slow or slurred speech
• Difficulty with coordination and fine motor skills
• Rapid eye movement, known as nystagmus
• Cognitive and mood difficulties
• Fatigue while performing typical daily activities (individuals say they need to “concentrate on” their movements).

Initially, scientists wondered if the epilepsy or abnormal brain activity itself was responsible for the symptoms related to cerebellar atrophy. Following numerous studies, it was concluded that Dilantin long-term side effects were more likely the explanation of these symptoms rather than the disease itself.

Those who had been taking Dilantin for a longer period of time where most likely to experience the negative Dilantin long-term side effects. The length of time someone was diagnosed with epilepsy was not as closely associated with the cerebellar atrophy symptoms.

There is no treatment for cerebellar atrophy, but stopping treatment with the drug may help to reverse the cerebellar atrophy symptoms in some individuals. In other individuals, the cerebellar atrophy and related symptoms tend to persist, and supportive measures must be instituted in order to help individuals move back toward their natural baseline.

Supportive therapy for cerebellar degeneration can include nutritional supplements, vestibular physical therapy to focus on balance and coordination, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes.

If you have been negatively affected by Dilantin long-term side effects and have been diagnosed with focal cerebral atrophy or cerebellar degeneration, you may be eligible to take legal action against the manufacturer.

Plaintiffs who bring forth product liability lawsuits against drug manufacturers may be able to recover damages related to medical expenses, pain and suffering and loss of earnings related to the condition.

An experienced Dilantin attorney can review your case at no charge and can help you decide if you are eligible to file a lawsuit.