tiagabine Health Article

Generic name(s):

tiagabine

Brand name(s):

Gabitril

What is the most important information I should know about 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.

What is tiagabine?

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.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking tiagabine?

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.