Side Effects Of Phenytoin Sodium Extended

Phenytoin sodium is the active ingredient in the drug Dilantin. Classified as an antiepileptic, it is used to treat epilepsy, a seizure disorder. Your doctor may prescribe it to control generalized tonic-clonic, also called grand mal, seizures and complex partial seizures, called psychomotor or temporal lobe seizures. It's also used to prevent seizures in people who have suffered some type of head trauma. Phenytoin, like most drugs, can cause side effects, some of which may be severe.

Gastrointestinal and Facial Side Effects

While taking phenytoin sodium extended, you may experience nausea, vomiting and constipation. It may also cause your gums to become enlarged, a condition known as gingival hyperplasia. Additionally, phenytoin may increase the size of your lips and thicken or harden your facial features.

Mental Changes

Phenytoin exerts its therapeutic effect in your brain, and, as an extension of that effect, it can cause a number of adverse reactions associated with brain function. Some of these include dizziness, drowsiness, slurred speech, confusion and mood changes. According to the "Drug Information Handbook," these particular side effects appear to be related to the concentration of phenytoin in your blood. Loss of coordination, difficulty sleeping, nervousness and headache are other potential side effects, but these are unrelated to phenytoin concentrations.

Muscle and Eye Disorders

You may experience vision problems such as blurred or double vision while taking phenytoin. It also causes a condition called nystagmus, which is an involuntary, rapid oscillatory movement of your eyeballs. These visual disturbances are related to phenytoin concentrations in your blood. Muscle twitching, tremors and the inability to coordinate muscle movement are additional side effects that may occur while taking phenytoin.

Skin Reactions

Phenytoin may cause a mild rash. It may, however, cause a much more serious rash in rare case -- Stevens-Johnson Syndrome. This is a disorder characterized by a purplish, blistery rash that encompasses the entire body. Eventually it results in the complete shedding of the top layer of skin and can be fatal. Treatment requires hospitalization. If you notice a rash with blisters, you should stop taking phenytoin and consult your doctor immediately.

Suicidal Thoughts

The FDA's prescribing information for phenytoin suggests that it may increase the user's risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior. Consequently, if you began to notice unusual mood changes, increasingly depressive or suicidal thoughts, consult your doctor.