Multiple studies have shown that Dilantin, a commonly prescribed antiepileptic drug, may increase the risk of experiencing brain damage or the death of nerve cells in the brain, along with other serious Dilantin long term side effects.

Dilantin long term side effects may include cerebellar atrophy or degeneration.

What is Dilantin?

Dilantin is the brand name for the drug phenytoin, an antiepileptic medication produced by Pfizer. The drug works by preventing abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

Dilantin is generally prescribed for the treatment of tonic-clonic (grand mal) and psychomotor (temporal lobe) seizures. The drug is also often prescribed to prevent and treat seizures that happen during or after brain surgery. Occasionally, Dilantin is given for the treatment of nerve pain in patients with Multiple Sclerosis.

In 2016, Dilantin was one of the most commonly prescribed medications in the United States, with more than two million prescriptions.

What is cerebellar atrophy?

Cerebellar atrophy is one of the most serious possible side effects associated with long term Dilantin use.

Cerebellar atrophy occurs when neurons, or nerve cells, in the cerebellum deteriorate and die. This brain deterioration can result in communication issues between neurons and cause a variety of problems for the sufferer.

The cerebellum is the area of the brain responsible for muscle coordination, movement, and balance. When this part of the brain is damaged or deteriorates, it can cause issues with motion and walking. Signs of cerebellar atrophy may include an uncoordinated walk, a tremor in the body’s torso, irregular eye movements, memory loss, uncoordinated or jerky movements of the limbs (hyperkinesia), and slow or slurred speech.

Cerebellar atrophy may also increase the risk of experiencing stroke or seizures, or developing Multiple Sclerosis or tumors.

The long term side effects of Dilantin have been researched in several studies. According to a study published in Acta Neurol Scand Suppl. in 1983, these side effects can be serious enough that most experts recommend against long term use of the drug.

Other Dilantin side effects, in addition to cerebral atrophy, can include:

• Liver disease or damage
• Encephalopathy, or brain damage resulting in an altered mental state
• Psychosis
• Anemia
• Decreased bone mineral content
• Gingival hyperplasia, or an overgrowth of gum tissue
• Lupus-like hypersensitivity syndrome
• Heart problems, including slow or skipped heart beats
• Speech problems
• Hypotension
• Bone marrow problems
• Neuropathy, or tingling, numbness, or pain in the legs and feet

If you have been prescribed Dilantin for the long term treatment of epilepsy or another seizure disorder and have suffered side effects including cerebellar atrophy or degeneration, you may qualify to join a Dilantin long term side effects investigation. Long term Dilantin use may result in devastating side effects, but you may be able to pursue compensation for your injuries and suffering.