What is Dilantin?
Dilantin is a drug used for the prevention and treatment of seizures. However, it is not used to treat all seizures. The drug slows down your brain impulses that cause seizures.
What are the side effects?
Below are the most common side effects from taking Dilantin:
• Slurred speech
• Mental confusion
• Decreased coordination
• Dizziness
• Insomnia
• Nervousness
• Headaches
• Motor twitching
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Toxic hepatitis
• Liver damage
• Hypersensitivity syndrome
Another possible side effect from taking Dilantin is Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TENS) should seek medical attention immediately..
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome affects hundreds of people each year. SJS and TENS is a life-threatening disease that affects skin usually caused from a drug reaction, from prescription drugs and over the counter drugs.
Symptoms of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome include: Fever, Sore Throat; Hives; Blisters; Shedding of your skin; Swelling on your face; Red or purple skin rash; Swelling of your tongue; and Skin pain. Because SJS and TENS results in painful rashes and blisters, they are treated similar to how burns are treated. The most serious cases of SJS and TENS are treated in burn units or in critical care centers throughout the United States.
Just last year the FDA began investigating the potential increased risk of serious skin reactions, including Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TENS) from Dilantin and phenytoin therapy in Asian patients who have tested positive with ancestry across broad areas of Asia. Phenytoin is marketed as Dilantin, Phenytek, Cerebyx and through other generics.