How Long Does it Take for Dilantin Levels to Drop?

Dilantin is a medication most often given to people with seizure disorders. The drug is known for being relatively effective at treating seizure-related conditions, but it does come with risks.

Dilantin is also known by its generic name, phenytoin.  Some patients have reported cerebral injuries and problems as a result of taking Dilantin. If you’re currently on this medication or thinking about starting it, consider talking with your physician to discuss the risks and benefits.

How Does Dilantin Work?

The American Association of Neurological Surgeons explains that the brain continuously generates tiny electrical impulses that travel all over the body through a network of nerve cells (neurons) via chemical messengers called neurotransmitters. During an epileptic seizure, there’s a sudden and temporary change in the brain’s electrical functioning. Phenytoin stops brain cells from firing off uncontrollably, helping stop a seizure before it fully begins. Cerebellar atrophy is a brain condition associated with Dilantin use.

When taken orally, Dilantin has a 22-hour plasma half-life. The peak level for oral consumption occurs within four to 12 hours after first taking the capsule.

Are There Side Effects to Dilantin Levels?

As with any medication, there are risks of side effects when taking Dilantin. While it may help control seizures, a patient may experience serious medical conditions that can be difficult and expensive to reverse. Risks of elevated blood sugar and suicidal thoughts are associated with increased Dilantin levels. A very serious side effect of the drug is a condition known as cerebellar atrophy.

What is Cerebellar Atrophy?

Cerebellar atrophy is another way of referencing cerebellar degeneration. This happens when the nerve cells in the brain deteriorate and die. These nerve cells are extremely important for controlling balance and coordination.

The cerebellum is the part of the brain responsible for coordination, precision, motor control, muscle tone, and balance. It may also play a role in some cognitive functions, including planning, organizing thoughts, understanding language, and paying attention. When the cerebellum begins to die or deteriorate, it is may result in negative changes to the body’s ability to perform fine motor skills, walk, balance, speak, and see.

The most common side effect indicating that a patient may have cerebellar atrophy caused by high Dilantin levels is an unsteady or lurching walk. Other symptoms of cerebellar atrophy include jerky leg movements; difficulty maintaining balance when running or climbing stairs, difficulty maintaining posture; nystagmus (involuntary eye movement), and slurred speech.

Additional symptoms of cerebellar atrophy or cerebellar ataxia may include difficulty performing fine motor tasks such as tying shoes, buttoning a shirt, or writing in cursive, as well as issues with speech or swallowing, blurred or double vision, problems reading or understanding language, increased fatigue, and mood disorders including anxiety and depression. The symptoms of cerebellar atrophy may vary from person to person but are often mistaken as signs of dementia or stroke.

While any of these possible side effects are very serious, it can be dangerous to stop taking Dilantin without guidance and supervision from a physician. Anyone who experiences these issues should immediately discuss their options with their medical doctor.

Will Discontinuing High Dilantin Levels Stop Cerebellar Atrophy?

If an additional medical condition is associated with a certain drug, more often than not a medical provider will have the patient discontinue the medication to reverse the secondary condition. However, this can be complicated and should always be discussed directly with your physician to determine the right course of action.

Unfortunately, cerebellar atrophy caused by taking Dilantin may be permanent. While the side effects of the condition may be managed by making dietary changes, maintaining a level of physical exercise, and staying socially and mentally active, it may only be possible to halt the continued brain atrophy rather than repair the damage that has already been sustained. Some patients may also benefit from using mobility aids to manage physical symptoms in addition to attending physical therapy or taking medications for symptom management, such as mood changes.

The aforementioned therapies may become necessary if a patient experiences cerebellar ataxia, one of the most notable symptoms of cerebellar degeneration. Ataxia refers to muscle coordination issues that may accompany cerebellar degeneration. Cerebellar ataxia may affect multiple functions, including walking, speaking, fine motor skills, eye movement, and swallowing.

Cerebellar ataxia may be curable or it may be permanent, leaving sufferers to cope with issues of coordination and movement for the rest of their lives. 

In these instances, therapy will play a crucial role. Physical therapy can be used to help improve balance, occupational therapy can help with learning ways to do everyday tasks or job skills, and mental therapy can help with developing coping skills to handle the emotional effects of the condition.

Additionally, adaptable devices like walkers, canes, and wheelchairs can help steady a person as they move. Patients with cerebral ataxia may also choose to make changes to their environment to help them navigate it with ease.

Usually, medicine does not help slow the progression of cerebellar ataxia. One exception is if the ataxia is caused by a vitamin deficiency.  In cases in which vitamin E or coenzyme Q10 is at the root of cerebellar ataxia, then it may be treatable. Episodic ataxia type-2 may also be treatable.

In most other cases, including those linked to Dilantin levels, medication may not help the condition. However, Johns Hopkins Medicine explains that medication may help manage leg tremors, a major symptom of ataxia.

If you or someone you know has cerebellar atrophy from high Dilantin levels, you may have grounds for legal action.

This article is not legal advice. It is presented
for informational purposes only.