tiagabine

Tiagabine is used with other medications to treat certain epileptic seizure disorders (e.g., partial seizures) which have not been controlled by other medications. Seizures occur because of problems with communication between nerves. Tiagabine is believed to affect certain natural substances (neurotransmitters) in the brain that slow down this communication. Regular use of tiagabine together with your other anti-epileptic medication should reduce the number of seizures you have. When tiagabine has been used for conditions other than epilepsy, serious reactions (including seizures in people who have never had them) have occurred. Therefore, the manufacturer recommends this drug only for the treatment of epilepsy.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up. If you miss taking this medication for several days, contact your doctor for instructions.

Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking this medication and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Take this medication by mouth with food, usually 2 to 4 times daily or as directed by your doctor. When you start this medication, your dosage will be increased slowly by your doctor to reduce side effects. Therefore, only one dose a day is usually taken during the first week. Follow your doctor's instructions exactly. Tiagabine is not usually used by itself. Do not stop your other anti-seizure medication unless your doctor tells you to do so. Dosage is based on your medical condition, response to therapy, and use of certain other seizure medications (see Drug Interactions section). Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is abruptly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased. If you stop taking this medication for several days, you may need to increase your dose slowly back to your previous dosage. Talk with your doctor about how to restart the medication. Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens after you have reached your full dose.

Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially: a certain drug for stopping smoking (bupropion), certain anti-seizure drugs (e.g., phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, primidone), certain recreational/street drugs such as methamphetamine ("speed") or MDMA ("ecstasy"). Certain medications increase your chances of having a seizure and may make it appear that tiagabine and your other anti-seizure medications are not working. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other drugs which might increase seizure risk when combined with tiagabine such as bupropion, isoniazid, antipsychotic medications (e.g., phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine), stimulants (e.g., methylphenidate, dextroamphetamines) or alcohol. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you also take drugs that cause drowsiness such as certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine), anti-anxiety drugs (e.g., diazepam), anti-seizure drugs (e.g., gabapentin, valproic acid), medicine for sleep (e.g., zolpidem, temazepam), narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine, fentanyl), tranquilizers, or certain antidepressants (e.g., tricyclics such as imipramine or amitriptyline). Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products) because they may contain drowsiness-causing ingredients. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products. This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).

Do not share this medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., blood levels of tiagabine, EEG tests) may be performed to monitor your response to therapy and check for side effects. Report any increase in the number of seizures or changes in seizure symptoms.

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include uncontrolled seizures (status epilepticus), slow/shallow breathing.

Before taking tiagabine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, depression/other mental condition, status epilepticus. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Store at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Inability to concentrate, dizziness, drowsiness, nervousness, irritability, tiredness, or shaking may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: increase in seizure activity, confusion/trouble thinking clearly, difficulty forming sentences, depression, severe weakness. A small number of people who take anticonvulsants for any condition (such as seizure, bipolar disorder, pain) may experience depression, suicidal thoughts/attempts, or other mental/mood problems. Tell your doctor immediately if you or your family/caregiver notice any unusual/sudden changes in your mood, thoughts, or behavior including signs of depression, suicidal thoughts/attempts, thoughts about harming yourself. Seek immediate medical attention if you get a seizure that doesn't stop (status epilepticus). This is a very rare but very serious side effect. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.