tiagabine

Do not stop taking tiagabine without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel better. It is important to continue taking tiagabine to prevent the seizures from recurring. Stopping tiagabine suddenly may result in increased seizure frequency. If the medication needs to be stopped, your doctor may need to lower the dosage gradually.

Carry or wear a medical identification tag to let others know that you are taking this medicine in the case of an emergency.

Tiagabine may cause drowsiness, dizziness, decreased concentration, vision problems, or poor coordination. Do not drive, operate dangerous machinery, or perform other hazardous activities until you know how tiagabine affects you. If you experience drowsiness, dizziness, decreased concentration, vision problems, or poor coordination, avoid these activities.

Healthcare professionals are allowed to, and sometimes do, prescribe drugs for uses that are not approved by the FDA. The maker of tiagabine is strongly discouraging its use for any condition except for epilepsy because most of the reported seizures with tiagabine occurred in patients being treated for other conditions. However, if you are taking tiagabine for a condition other than epilepsy, you should not stop taking it on your own; you should speak to your healthcare professional as soon as you can.

The exact way that tiagabine works is unknown. However, it is believed that it alters chemical impulses in the brain that cause seizures.

Tiagabine is used to control seizures.

Tiagabine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Healthcare professionals are allowed to, and sometimes do, prescribe drugs for uses that are not approved by the FDA. The maker of tiagabine is strongly discouraging its use for any condition except for epilepsy because most of the reported seizures with tiagabine occurred in patients being treated for other conditions. However, if you are taking tiagabine for a condition other than epilepsy, you should not stop taking it on your own; you should speak to your healthcare professional as soon as you can.

Before taking tiagabine, tell your doctor if you have liver disease. You may not be able to take this medication, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.

Tiagabine is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether tiagabine will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take tiagabine without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant.

It is not known whether tiagabine passes into breast milk. Do not take tiagabine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Take tiagabine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose of tiagabine with a full glass of water.

Take tiagabine with food.

It is important to take tiagabine regularly to get the most benefit.

Do not stop taking tiagabine without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel better. It is important to continue taking tiagabine to prevent the seizures from recurring. Stopping tiagabine suddenly may result in increased seizure frequency. If the medication needs to be stopped, your doctor may need to lower the dosage gradually.

If treatment with tiagabine is stopped for any reason, contact your doctor before restarting the medication. A lower dose may be needed to prevent side effects from occurring.

Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with tiagabine to monitor progress and side effects.

Carry or wear a medical identification tag to let others know that you are taking this medicine in the case of an emergency.

Store tiagabine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

Seek emergency medical treatment if an overdose is suspected.

Symptoms of a tiagabine overdose include drowsiness, slurred speech, poor coordination, confusion, and agitation.

Tiagabine may cause drowsiness, dizziness, decreased concentration, vision problems, or poor coordination. Do not drive, operate dangerous machinery, or perform other hazardous activities until you know how tiagabine affects you. If you experience drowsiness, dizziness, decreased concentration, vision problems, or poor coordination, avoid these activities.

Do not drink alcohol while taking tiagabine. Alcohol may increase drowsiness or dizziness caused by tiagabine. Alcohol may also increase the risk of seizures.

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking tiagabine and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
• increasing frequency or worsening of seizures;
• irregular back-and-forth movements of the eyes (nystagmus);
• weakness; or
• rash.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take tiagabine and talk to your doctor if you experience

• dizziness, poor coordination, or drowsiness;
• nausea and vomiting;
• agitation or nervousness; or
• tremor.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Tiagabine interacts with many of the other drugs used to treat seizures. Before taking tiagabine, tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking. You may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking a combination of medications to treat seizures. Continue to take all medications prescribed to treat seizures exactly as directed.

Tiagabine may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Do not take other medications that may increase drowsiness without first talking to your doctor.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with tiagabine or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.

Your pharmacist has additional information about tiagabine written for health professionals that you may read.

Tiagabine is available with a prescription under the brand name Gabitril. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.