Growing concern exists regarding Dilantin long-term side effects.

Dilantin (phenytoin) is a common epilepsy drug. While it’s no longer a first-line general treatment for epilepsy, Dilantin can still be used to treat tonic-clonic and complex partial, seizures. It’s also used to prevent and treat seizures that sometimes accompany brain surgery.

According to FDA documentation for the drug, Dilantin works by stabilizing a person’s neurological response to excessive stimulation and environmental changes. Dilantin has also been used to treat symptoms of anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, aggressive behavior, Tourette’s syndrome, ADHD, and other psychological conditions.

One of the more concerning Dilantin long-term side effects is cerebellar atrophy. Cerebellar atrophy occurs when brain tissue degenerates and loses neurons.

Atrophy can be generalized, meaning the entire brain has been affected, or it can be focal, meaning the degeneration affects only a certain area of the brain. Cerebellar atrophy is a focal type of cerebral atrophy that affects only the cerebellum.

The cerebellum is the pit-shaped part of the brain that sits behind the brain stem below the cerebrum. The cerebellum helps to regulate voluntary movements such as posture, balance, coordination, and speech. These functions allow for smooth, balanced, and precise movement.

A damaged cerebellum due to cerebellar atrophy can result in lack of balance, slow movements, unsteady gait, tremors, slow or slurred speech, difficulty with fine motor skills, fatigue, and unstable eye movements. These symptoms, similar to symptoms of a stroke, make certain physical tasks difficult and unsteady. Other symptoms include memory loss, mood difficulties, and cognitive issues. These symptoms can make normal activities difficult or impossible and can severely impact how an individual lives their life.

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, typical causes of cerebellar atrophy include stroke, seizures, progressive degenerative disorders, spinocerebellar ataxias, multiple sclerosis, chronic alcohol abuse, and paraneoplastic disorders. Cerebellar degeneration has also been linked to toxins in the brain from ethanol, chemotherapy treatments, and other drugs.

Studies showed that long-term use of Dilantin is linked to an increased risk of cerebellar atrophy. According to research, cerebellar atrophy tends to occur in patients after long-term use of Dilantin when drug serum levels are above the therapeutic range, although cerebellar atrophy has also been reported when the drug appeared in the normal range.

Scientists initially wondered whether epilepsy was responsible for symptoms related to cerebellar atrophy, but it was concluded that Dilantin long-term side effects were at least a contributory cause.

Although there is no cure for cerebellar atrophy, recovery from cerebral atrophy and localized cerebellar atrophy caused by Dilantin is sometimes possible when patients stop taking Dilantin. However, in some cases, injuries were permanent, specifically with patients who experienced cerebellar ataxia (lack of muscle coordination).

Despite studies listing cerebellar atrophy among Dilantin long-term side effects, a warning is allegedly listed on marketing materials as a drug side effect. Patients who experienced Dilantin long-term side effects may wish to seek legal counsel as they may have a legal case. Plaintiffs in product liability lawsuits against drug manufacturers may be able to recover damages related to medical expenses, pain and suffering, and loss of earnings.