What is Gabitril (Tiagabine)?

Tiagabine is an anti-epileptic medication, also called an anticonvulsant.
Tiagabine is used to alone or in combination with other medications to treat partial seizures in adults and children who are at least 12 years old.
Tiagabine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Gabitril (Tiagabine)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to tiagabine.
Before taking tiagabine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs or if you have liver disease.
You may have thoughts about suicide while taking this medication. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, depression, anxiety, or if you feel agitated, hostile, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.
Do not stop taking tiagabine without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel better. You may have increased seizures if you stop taking tiagabine suddenly. You will need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.
Contact your doctor if your seizures get worse or you have them more often while taking tiagabine.
Carry an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet stating that you are taking tiagabine, in case of emergency. Any doctor, dentist, or emergency medical care provider who treats you should know that you are taking a seizure medication.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Gabitril (Tiagabine)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to tiagabine.
If you have liver disease, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication.
You may have thoughts about suicide while taking this medication. Tell your doctor if you have new or worsening depression or suicidal thoughts during the first several months of treatment, or whenever your dose is changed.
Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether tiagabine is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether tiagabine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Gabitril Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of Gabitril (Tiagabine)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; fever; swollen glands; painful sores in or around your eyes or mouth; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, depression, anxiety, or if you feel agitated, hostile, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• new or worsened seizures
• confusion, hallucination
• problems with speech or vision
• severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash
• tremor
• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms; or
• chest pain, fast heart rate

Less serious side effects may include:

• dizziness, drowsiness, weakness, tired feeling
• feeling restless, irritable, or depressed
• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea
• trouble concentrating
• sleep problems (insomnia)
• lack of coordination
• cough, sore throat; or
• weight changes

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Gabitril Interactions

What other drugs affect Gabitril (Tiagabine)?

Cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for depression or anxiety can add to sleepiness caused by tiagabine. Tell your doctor if you regularly use any of these medications, or other seizure medications.
Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:

• medicine to treat a psychiatric disorder
• diet pills, stimulants, or ADHD medication
• carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol)
• divalproex (Depakote)
• phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton)
• phenytoin (Dilantin)
• primidone (Mysoline)
• valproic acid (Depakene); or
• narcotic medications such as fentanyl (Actiq, Duragesic), hydrocodone (Lortab, Vicodin), hydromorphone (Dilaudid, Palladone), morphine (Kadian, MS Contin, Oramorph, and others), oxycodone (OxyContin), oxymorphone (Numorphan, Opana), and others

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with tiagabine. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

What should I avoid while taking Gabitril (Tiagabine)?

Tiagabine can cause side effects that may impair your vision or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert and able to see clearly.
Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase some of the side effects of tiagabine.

Gabitril Dosage

How should I take Gabitril (Tiagabine)?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Take tiagabine with food.
To make sure you are taking the right dose of tiagabine, your blood may need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
Your doctor may occasionally change your dose over several weeks to make sure you get the best results from this medication.
Do not stop taking tiagabine without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel better. You may have increased seizures if you stop taking tiagabine suddenly. You will need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.
Contact your doctor if your seizures get worse or you have them more often while taking tiagabine.
Carry an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet stating that you are taking tiagabine, in case of emergency. Any doctor, dentist, or emergency medical care provider who treats you should know that you are taking a seizure medication.
It is important to use tiagabine regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.
Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

What happens if I overdose on Gabitril (Tiagabine)?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
Overdose symptoms may include slurred speech, weakness, drowsiness, muscle stiffness, problems with coordination, confusion, vomiting, weak or shallow breathing, increased seizures, or feeling hostile or agitated.

What happens if I miss a dose of Gabitril (Tiagabine)?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Sourced from everydayhealth.com