Stevens Johnson Syndrome is a rare condition that often occurs as a severe reaction to a prescription drug.

Dilantin, a very well-used anti-seizure medication, has been connected with Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

What is Dilantin Stevens Johnson Syndrome?

Dilantin Stevens Johnson Syndrome
is associated with one of the most widely prescribed anti-seizure medications in the United States.

Dilantin, or phenytoin, has been around since the early 20th century.

While originally used mostly to treat epilepsy patients, since the 1960s it has also been prescribed to treat depression and anxiety.

In 1908, phenytoin was first created by a German chemist. By 1938, phenytoin had been studied for its anti-seizure effects and was considered superior to phenobarbital because it did not create the same sedative side effects.

In 1953, phenytoin was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for use as an anti-seizure drug.

However, a few years later, in 1966, Jack Dreyfus (founder of the Dreyfus Fund) discovered that a prescription of phenytoin had helped him with his depression.

As a result, Dreyfus became a major advocate for phenytoin to be used in cases of depression and anxiety.

While considered an important and life-saving drug by many, Dilantin has been linked to quite a few side effects.

In fact, in 2008, Dilantin was put on the FDA’s Potential Signals of Serious Risks List to be further evaluated for approval.

One of the more serious side effects is a condition called Stevens Johnson Syndrome.

Dilantin Stevens Johnson Syndrome is a skin condition that is mainly characterized by blisters on the skin.

Essentially, the skin of the affected patient succumbs to cellular death and the epidermis begins to separate from the dermis.

This condition may begin with simple flu-like symptoms but then progresses rapidly to a rash and skin lesions. When the blisters develop and the cell death occurs, the skin peels off in large layers from the body.

Dilantin Stevens Johnson Syndrome is a rare occurrence – but when it does happen, it is very serious.

Those who develop this condition should seek medical treatment immediately because it is a life-threatening illness.

As the condition progresses, it can develop into an even worse condition called Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, or TEN.

It also attacks the mucous membranes of the body, including those within the eyes and mouth.

Patients may suffer permanent scarring and also eye complications like severe conjunctivitis, corneal blisters and holes, and vision loss.

Because Stevens Johnson Syndrome and TEN are medical emergencies, they should be treated with the utmost urgency. Those who develop these conditions are often treated in the burn ward of a hospital.

Dilantin Stevens Johnson Syndrome and TEN can be fatal. If a patient does recover, recovery can take from weeks to months.