Dilantin (Phenytoin): Side Effects, Risks & Precautions

Dilantin is a prescription medication used to prevent seizures due to epilepsy or other medical conditions. Despite its effectiveness, Dilantin poses risks for side effects in some patients.

Side Effects

• The most common side effects of Dilantin include involuntary eye movements, loss of coordination, slurred speech, insomnia, confusion, nervousness and unsteadiness.

Time Frame

• Side effects of Dilantin typically begin within a few days of treatment and gradually subside once your body becomes acclimated to the drug.

Drug Interactions

• Taking certain antidepressants like Prozac, estrogen supplements, antiarrhythmic medications like amiodarone and sedatives like diazepam increase your risk of developing side effects from Dilantin.

Risks

• Some patients develop toxic effects to the liver like hepatitis and life-threatening skin infections, like Stevens-Johnson Syndrome while taking Norvasc. Additionally, Dilantin is known to contribute to cancers that affect the lymphatic system, like lymphoma.

Considerations

• Because Dilantin causes toxic effects upon the fetus, doctors rarely prescribe the drops for pregnant women. If you stop taking Dilantin suddenly, you are at risk for developing potentially life-threatening seizures.