Although it is classified as an antiepileptic drug, Dilantin has been used for a number of other conditions as well, leading it to be considered somewhat of a “miracle drug” with efficacy in treating a broad range of conditions.

In addition to addressing seizure activity, Dilantin has been used to treat depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, OCD, eating disorders, restless leg syndrome, Tourette’s syndrome and more. It is thought that the drug balances the brain activity that may be associated with a variety of other conditions.

But this popular antiepileptic drug carries a number of possible Dilantin toxicity risks from its use.

Dilantin Toxicity Risks

With any drug, there are risks and benefits associated with its use. When a physician prescribes a medication, he or she is supposed to consider the potential risk and benefit to the patient and prescribe accordingly.

Some patients have conditions resistant to many medications, and Dilantin has come to the rescue for those patients and has been nothing short of life-changing. However, for some who experienced Dilantin toxicity risks firsthand, they question the drug’s safety and wonder why they were not properly warned of the Dilantin side effects.

One of the most severe Dilantin toxicity risks is a condition known as cerebellar atrophy. Cerebellar atrophy refers to degeneration in a structure in the brain referred to as the cerebellum. The cerebellum is responsible for coordination of movement and balance. The atrophy of this region is due to a loss of neurons and neuronal connections that causes the brain structure to decrease in size.

The way that cerebellar atrophy presents itself appears much like alcohol intoxication. Individuals may experience difficulty walking and often stumble or have an otherwise unsteady gait, their coordination is impaired in their arms, legs and torso, they may have difficulty performing fine motor tasks, their speech may be impaired or slurred and they may experience nystagmus, or repetitive, uncontrolled eye movements.

In addition, headaches, dizziness and changes in behavior and personality are also seen. Alcohol affects the cerebellum directly, so there is a great deal of overlap in the symptoms associated with cerebellar atrophy and alcohol intoxication.

Initially, it was believed that seizure activity itself could potentially be causing all of the aforementioned issues. However, once imaging studies were done on patients who were taking Dilantin, the results suggested that potential Dilantin toxicity risks were more likely the culprit. Individuals who had been taking the drug for a longer period of time had more cerebellar degeneration.

For some, simply stopping Dilantin is enough to reverse the Dilantin toxicity risks associated with the drug’s use. For others, the symptoms may be permanent or much longer lasting. Therapy aimed at reducing the symptoms may be of some help, but for some, no amount of intervention has been able to completely remove the Dilantin toxicity risks experienced.

Filing a Lawsuit over Dilantin Toxicity Risks

If you or a loved one has experienced complications as a result of Dilantin toxicity risks, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your injuries. An experienced Dilantin attorney can review your case for free and can help guide you in your legal options.