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GENERIC NAME: TIAGABINE - ORAL (tie-GAB-een)

BRAND NAME(S): Gabitril

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert

USES: This medication is used to control certain types of seizures (epilepsy).

HOW TO USE: Use exactly as directed by mouth with food, usually beginning at 4 mg once daily, and usually in addition to other anti-epilepsy drugs. The dose will be increased based on age and medical condition, up to 2 to 4 times daily. Do not interrupt or discontinue treatment without consulting your doctor or pharmacist. If told to stop this medication, it should be discontinued gradually.

SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness, weakness, drowsiness, shakiness, trouble sleeping, nausea, diarrhea or vomiting may occur. If these persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Report promptly any: difficulty breathing. Unlikely but report promptly: mental/mood changes, rash, easy bruising or bleeding, stomach pain, speech problems, unsteadiness, fainting, tingling hands or feet. Very unlikely but report promptly: bloody or black/tarry stools, chest pain, eye problems, persistent sore throat or fever. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Before using this drug, tell your doctor your medical history, including: any allergies (especially drug allergies), liver disease. Limit alcohol intake, as it may enhance certain side effects of this medication. Since this drug may cause drowsiness or dizziness, use caution if operating machinery or performing hazardous tasks. 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 is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.




Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

 

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.


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tiagabine-oral, Gabitril

Introduction

Few experiences match the drama of a convulsive seizure. A person having a severe seizure may cry out, fall to the floor unconscious, twitch or move uncontrollably, drool, or even lose bladder control. Within minutes, the attack is over, and the person regains consciousness but is exhausted and dazed. This is the image most people have when they hear the word epilepsy. However, this type of seizure -- a generalized tonic-clonic seizure -- is only one kind of epilepsy. There are many other kinds, each with a different set of symptoms.

Epilepsy was one of the first brain disorders to be described. It was mentioned in ancient Babylon more than 3,000 years ago. The strange behavior caused by some seizures has contributed through the ages to many superstitions and prejudices. The word epilepsy is derived from the Greek word for "attack." People once thought that those with epilepsy were being visited by demons or gods. However, in 400...

Read the Seizure (Epilepsy) article »



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