Dilantin Suicide: A Side Effect Risk of Growing Concern
By Andrea Gressman
Dilantin has been on the market for over 60 years as a treatment option for those suffering from epilepsy and other specific types of seizures. However, despite the fact that it has been available to patients for such a long time there are still significant side effects linked to Dilantin that are just now gaining attention in the general public. One such potential side effect is suicide — a very serious risk that should not be ignored.
There have been nearly 200 studies involving 11 different anti-seizure medications and their link to patient suicide. One of those drugs studied included Dilantin. As a result, the FDA issued a warning that the medication can cause an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts for patients.
In one particular study of approximately 44,000 patients it was found that those who used epilepsy medication were twice as likely to experience suicidal thoughts compared to those who took a placebo. That is a staggering number. Even though Dilantin, also known as phenytoin, was not specifically named in this particular study it was announced by the FDA that these results were expected to be consistent with all epilepsy drugs.
Sadly, many patients are prescribed Dilantin without knowing anything about this particular side effect risk or the many others it has been associated with. Their families are generally not informed as well. Therefore, they are unaware of what to watch for and that they should contact their medical care provider right away when they notice unusual behavior or symptoms. As a result, many who have experienced severe side effects have either filed Dilantin lawsuits themselves or have had family members file a lawsuit on their behalf.
It is critical that if you or your loved one is taking Dilantin or another type of epilepsy medication and is experiencing depression or suicidal thoughts that you contact a health care provider immediately. This is a very serious matter and has affected many families in the most negative way possible. It is also important that you discuss the side effects you have experienced with an experienced Dilantin lawsuit attorney. They will be able to inform you of your legal options.
Visit the Dilantin Stevens Johnson (SJS) & Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) Class Action Lawsuit Investigation page right away. You can receive a free consultation from a qualified Dilantin lawsuit attorney that is completely free of charge.
Updated February 14th, 2013
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2 thoughts onDilantin Suicide: A Side Effect Risk of Growing Concern
In 2004 my 19 year old son also committed suicide and to this day I feel like Dilantin had a big role in it. Nothing can bring him back but if I could help someone else from going through the pain me and my family have had to endure since his death because of this medication and it’s unknown side effects to the public then I really hope I can.
My son committed suicide after just 5 doses of Dilantin. He literally went mad in 4 days.. It’d been prescribed by an ER physician after my son suffered a seizure. He’d had only one seizure and had never even been diagnosed with epilepsy.
As an RN who has seen the suicidal tendancies in patients (for over 20 years), I pleaded with physician not to prescribe it … His reply “Your son is over 18 and can make this decision on his own”.
I’ve been screaming about dilation for 5 years…. this must have a black box warning!