Does the drug dilantin cause ataxia? how long till it can affect you?

Ataxia is a common side effect of this drug, more often seen at higher doses. The time it takes for 1/2 the drug to leave your system (half life) varies from 7 hrs to a day or so. It takes 4 half lives to leave the system. It may not have that side effect at lower blood levels. Do not stop any seizure med without consulting your personal doc.

Ataxia will occur if too much Dilantin is taken. Dose can be titrated downwards and this is reversible. But chronic use over several yrs (perhaps over 25 yrs) can result in cerebellar atrophy, which results in permanent ataxia. Chronic use also causes osteoporosis, and peripheral neuropathy. This drug is archaic and really should no longer be used, especially due to its zero order kinetics.