Multiple studies show that Dilantin, an anticonvulsant and antiepileptic drug meant to control seizure activity in the brain, may cause patients to develop serious side effects.

Dilantin, the brand name for the drug phenytoin, has been linked to the development of cerebellar atrophy in several cases, among other adverse effects of Dilantin.

What is Dilantin?

Dilantin is a commonly prescribed drug to help patients with epilepsy control their symptoms. It is meant to treat grand mal and temporal lobe seizures. It may also be prescribed to some patients during or after brain surgery.

Dilantin is marketed and sold by the pharmaceutical company Pfizer. According to Pfizer’s Dilantin webpage, the antiepileptic drug was first introduced to the market over 60 years ago. However, in recent years, new information has come to light about the possible adverse effects of Dilantin.

Possible Adverse Effects of Dilantin

The most serious side effect associated with Dilantin is cerebellar atrophy. The cerebellum is the part of the brain responsible for coordination, balance, and posture. Cerebellar atrophy occurs when nerve cells in the cerebellum degenerate and die.

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), cerebellar atrophy is characterized by an unsteady walk, tremors in the torso, slow and jerky movements of the limbs, slurred speech, and rapid eye movements.

Cerebellar atrophy can also lead to memory loss and physical shrinking of brain tissue.

Several studies have shown a link between cerebellar atrophy and high levels of Dilantin in the body, although there is evidence to suggest that even normal levels may lead to complications in the brain.

One study from 1994 conducted research on 36 patients at an epilepsy center, as well as a similarly sized control group of healthy volunteers. This study found that patients who were being treated for epilepsy had a much higher likelihood to develop cerebellar atrophy than the subjects in the non-epileptic control group.

Cerebellar Ataxia

Cerebellar atrophy, or Dilantin, may also lead to cerebellar ataxia, a movement disorder resulting from damage to the cerebellum. Side effects of cerebellar ataxia often include difficulty with fine motor tasks, loss of coordination, difficulty walking, difficulty swallowing, and a change in speech.

Aside from cerebellar atrophy and cerebellar ataxia, other adverse effects of Dilantin as noted by Pfizer may include:

• Softening of the bones, known as osteopenia, osteoporosis, or osteomalacia
• Encephalopathy (a group of diseases that alter brain function or structure)
• Delirium and psychosis
• Stevens-Johnson syndrome
• Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS)
• Jaundice
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Nervousness
• Nausea and vomiting

Who is at Risk for Adverse Effects of Dilantin?

Dilantin is approved for use by both adults and children. In addition to its use in controlling grand mal and temporal lobe seizure disorders, it may also be given to patients during or after brain surgery.

If you have been given Dilantin to control seizure activity in your brain and have suffered side effects, you may be eligible to join an adverse effects of Dilantin investigation and pursue compensation for your injuries.