DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: Tiagabine (tye-AG-a-been)
Brand Name: Gabitril

Gabitril is used for:

Controlling partial seizures. It is used in combination with other medicines.

Gabitril is an antiepilepsy agent. The exact way Gabitril works is unknown. It is believed that Gabitril prevents or reduces the number of seizures by controlling nerve impulses in the brain.

Do NOT use Gabitril if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Gabitril

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Gabitril :

Some medical conditions may interact with Gabitril . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have a history of liver problems or severe seizures (status epilepticus)

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Gabitril . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Carbamazepine, phenobarbital, or phenytoin because they may decrease Gabitril 's effectiveness
• Medicines that may increase your risk of seizures (eg, antidepressants, antipsychotics, stimulants, narcotic pain medicines) because the risk of seizures may be increased. Ask your doctor if you are unsure if any of your medicines may increase your risk of seizures.

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Gabitril may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Gabitril :

Use Gabitril as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Take Gabitril by mouth with food.
• If you miss a dose of Gabitril , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Gabitril .

Important safety information:

• Gabitril may cause drowsiness or dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Gabitril with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Gabitril ; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.
• If Gabitril is stopped or if a different medicine is added to your treatment, this should be done gradually. The risk of seizures may be increased if Gabitril is suddenly stopped.
• Carry an ID card at all times that lists your condition and the medicines you are taking.
• Gabitril should not be used in CHILDREN younger than 12 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Gabitril may cause harm to the fetus. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Gabitril while you are pregnant. It is not known if Gabitril is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Gabitril , check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Gabitril :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Abnormal skin sensations; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; flushing; increased appetite; increased cough; irritability; lack of energy; lightheadedness; nausea; nervousness; pain; shakiness; sleeplessness; sore throat; stomach pain; vomiting; weakness.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); abnormal thinking; abnormal walking; agitation; burning, tingling, or numbness sensation; chest pain; confusion; depression; difficulty with concentration or attention; hostility; incoordination; itching; jerky eye movements; memory problems; mood swings; seizures; severe weakness; speech or language problems; urination problems or difficult or painful urination; vision problems.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include agitation; confusion; depression; hostility; impaired consciousness; muscle contraction; sleepiness; speech difficulty; weakness.

Proper storage of Gabitril :

Store Gabitril at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Gabitril out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Gabitril , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Gabitril is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Gabitril . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.