Gabitril

Gabitril

Gabitril^®

Generic Name: Tiagabine HDl

Uses
Treatment of partial seizures as add-on therapy in adults and children 12 years and older.

How it works
We think Gabitril^® works by helping one of the brain chemicals (GABA) to work better. It is well absorbed when taken by mouth and is best taken with food to avoid sharp rises in blood levels. It is broken down primarily by the liver. The half life is 7 to 9 hours in adults.

Forms of the medicine
Gabitril^® tablets are available in four dosage strengths; 2, 4, 12 and 16 milligrams

Dosing
Gabitril^® is given by mouth. It is given twice or four times per day with food. Dosing amounts and frequency of dosing will be decided by the treating physician. Dosing will usually start with about 4 milligrams per day and will likely be increased over time.

Side Effects
The most common side effects include sedation, fatigue or muscle weakness, nervousness, headache, fatigue, irritability, difficulty with concentration, tremor, and dizziness.

Information for Pregnant women and nursing mothers
Safety in pregnancy has not been established. It is known that women taking antiepileptic drugs have a higher incidence of birth defects than women who are not. Women who are taking this medication and who wish to become pregnant should discuss treatment options with their physicians before the pregnancy begins. Gabitril^® is passed into breast milk.

Drug Interactions
Dilantin^®, Tegretol^®, Mysoline^® and Phenobarbital^® can decrease Gabitril^® levels.

Care during treatment with Gabitril^®
You should take the medicine as prescribed by your physician. If you are late in taking a dose by 2-3 hours, you should take it. If you miss a dose altogether, you should wait until the next dose and take the prescribed amount, or consult your physician. Report any unusual rashes or other side effects. As a rule, antiepilepsy drugs should not be abruptly discontinued because of the possibility of increasing seizure frequency.

Possible Contraindications to the use of Gabitril^®
A history of an allergic reaction to tiagabine.

Not everyone experiences side effects. There may be other side effects not appearing above. For a complete list, consult your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. More detailed sources of information on side effects include the drug’s prescribing information sheet, the Physician’s Desk Reference, or pharmaceutical company which produces the drug.