Dilantin, generically known as phenytoin, is an antiepileptic used to control seizures. However, reports of serious phenytoin side effects include cerebellar atrophy and have caused patients and the medical community to question the safety of the drug.

Phenytoin has been around for over a century. In 1908, phenytoin was created by a German chemist without understanding the benefits of the drug. Later, it was discovered that phenytoin was useful in helping control seizures, but it was not approved for use by the U.S. Food and Drug administration until 1953. At this time the FDA approved it as an anticonvulsant.

Phenytoin Side Effects Similar to Stroke Symptoms

There are many known phenytoin side effects including headache, nausea, vomiting, constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, slurred speech, loss of balance or coordination, nervousness, tremors or rash.

However, one of the more serious phenytoin side effects is a condition known as cerebellar atrophy. Phenytoin has been known to cause an atrophy of the brain, which means neurons and the connections between them are lost.

This can happen all over the brain (cerebral or generalized atrophy) or it can happen in a focalized place such as the cerebellum (cerebellar atrophy). The cerebellum is a large part of the brain that lies below the cerebrum and behind the brain stem.

When cerebellar atrophy occurs, the part of the brain that controls posture, balance, coordination, and speech is affected. If the cerebellum is damaged due to phenytoin side effects, then those functions of the brain are also affected.

The normal balanced and precise movement that a phenytoin patient may have can be disrupted due to phenytoin side effects such as cerebellar atrophy. Some may even mistake these phenytoin side effects symptoms for a stroke. The effects of both conditions may seem very similar.

Other cerebellar atrophy phenytoin side affects include unstable eye movements, as well as the loss of balance and tremors. Slow movements and shaking also may occur. Slurred and slow speech, slow or jerky movements in the limbs and an unsteady way of walking are also signs of phenytoin side effects.

Even though phenytoin is widely used as an anticonvulsant, it may be prescribed off label to treat anxiety and depression as well.

Filing a Phenytoin Side Effects Lawsuit

If you or someone you love has taken Dilantin or another phenytoin drug and has experienced severe phenytoin side effects such as slowed movements, slurred speech, jerky walking movements, unstable eye movements or tremors, you may benefit from speaking with an attorney experienced in cerebellar atrophy.

You may qualify for a phenytoin side effects lawsuit and may be entitled to monetary compensation.