Unfortunately, many users have reported side effects in adults and allege that the manufacturer failed to disclose the devastating consequences of these side effects. Dilantin side effects in adults can be unexpected if this information is not included on the medication’s labeling.

One of the more damaging Dilantin side effects in adults that has been reported by plenty of users is known as cerebellar degeneration.

This medication is commonly prescribed as an anti-seizure medication for those people who suffer from seizures and epilepsy.  Studies indicate that using Dilantin over the long term comes with a higher chance of developing cerebellar atrophy, which is also referred to as cerebellar degeneration. Cerebellar atrophy can have unfortunate effects for patients, which is why patient advocates believe the manufacturer should do more to warn about the risks of Dilantin side effects in adults.

Cerebellar atrophy can happen when the brain tissue degenerates and loses the connections between the neurons themselves. Some of the impacts of Dilantin side effects in adults include impacts on coordination, speech and movement.

How cerebellar atrophy and other Dilantin side effects in adults present depends on the individual case. Cerebellar atrophy can be a general condition, which means that the entire brain has been affected or it can be focal, meaning that only a certain portion of the brain has been impacted which limits functions for that area of the brain.

Cerebellar atrophy is a focal cerebral atrophy. Some of the most common symptoms of cerebellar atrophy include loss of memory, slurred speech, a lurching or unsteady walk, jerky movements in the legs or arms or nystagmus, which is small rapid movements in the eyes. A person who has suffered these Dilantin side effects in adults needs to report them to their physician as soon as possible.

Cerebellar atrophy causes may include tumors, seizures, cerebellar disorders, multiple sclerosis, and stroke. Unfortunately, cerebellar atrophy can also be linked to the toxicity of certain medications like Dilantin.

Recovering from cerebellar atrophy is possible when a patient discontinues taking Dilantin, but in other cases the symptoms of this condition have failed to resolve. No person should discontinue taking this medication without first consulting with their physician.

Lawyers are currently investigating claims of Dilantin side effects in adults that were apparently not properly disclosed to the medical community or to the patients taking the drugs directly. A person who suffers in this situation might not realize that they could have legal grounds to pursue a lawsuit.

The development of cerebellar atrophy is a serious condition, and if a person has not been advised to look out for the consequences and symptoms, they might not get the necessary medical treatment in order to curb this problem sooner rather than later. If you have already been affected, you may benefit from a consultation with a knowledgeable pharmaceutical products lawyer.