Patients currently using the medication Dilantin could be at risk of developing phenytoin toxicity, a serious side effect. Attorneys have prompted numerous investigations into the connection between phenytoin toxicity and long-term use of the drug, as patients may be at risk of developing cerebellar degeneration.

Dilantin’s generic name is phenytoin, an anti-seizure medication manufactured and sold by Pfizer.

Using Dilantin might initially seem like a way for a patient to achieve better control over seizures and better outcomes with their health, but using the medication for a long period of time comes with the risk of phenytoin toxicity.

By the time toxic buildup has occurred, the patient might have already dealt with serious side effects and might not have even known about the possible impact to their brain. Long-term Dilantin use has been linket to degeneration of the cerebellum.

The brain’s cerebellum is mostly responsible for movement, coordination and balance. Cerebellar degeneration is a medical condition in which neurons in the cerebellum die, impairing the cerebellum’s function.

Studies indicate that cerebellar degeneration and phenytoin toxicity are a possible adverse effect connected with Dilantin. Those individuals who have cerebellar degeneration could experience problems with their ability to walk as well as other issues.

Phenytoin Effects

Phenytoin toxicity could develop into cerebellar degeneration and associated side effects. Numerous studies indicate that cerebellar side effects, such as phenytoin toxicity, could be linked to long term Dilantin usage. A 2013 study published in Neurology Asia indicated that long term phenytoin use could develop into cerebellar atrophy.

An earlier 2008 study, published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics stated that phenytoin toxicity was an easily missed cause of cerebellar syndrome. Symptoms of Dilantin toxicity should be noted by a patient as soon as possible and reported to the patient’s physician. Side effects of phenytoin toxicity can resemble alcohol intoxication or a cerebellar lesion.

Those patients who were never warned about the possible risk of developing this condition might not know what to look for. As stopping use of the drug can help, those patients may miss out on the opportunity to curb these Dilantin side effects as soon as possible.

Patients have a right to know about the possible dangers of using this medication. Many agreed to take Dilantin under the assumption that it was safe and effective for use.

Adverse event reports about patients who have developed cerebellar atrophy because of Dilantin indicate that patients who begin taking the drug today should be well aware of these risks. Consumers of Dilantin should report any changes in their condition immediately to their physician.