What Is Gabitril Used For?

Gabitril is an antiepileptic medication that helps control seizures in people with epilepsy when used alongside other seizure medications.

Primary Uses

Gabitril is used with other medicines to control some types of seizures (fits) in people with epilepsy. Epilepsy is a condition where you have repeated seizures, ranging from mild to severe.

How It Works

Gabitril works by increasing the level of a chemical in the brain called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This controls the signals in nerve cells so that seizures do not happen.

How to Take Gabitril

Your doctor will determine the right dose for you and may start with a low dose, gradually increasing it to the lowest amount needed to control your epilepsy.

Dosage Instructions

Take Gabitril at the same times each day during or immediately after a meal. Swallow the tablets with a full glass of water. Your doctor may recommend starting with a low dose and slowly increasing to the lowest amount needed to control your epilepsy. Continue taking as long as your doctor tells you.

What If You Miss a Dose?

If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when you are meant to. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember and then go back to taking your medicine normally. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Available Tablet Strengths

Side Effects

Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.

Common Side Effects

These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:

• tiredness
• dizziness
• nervousness (for no apparent reason)
• difficulty concentrating
• hostility
• difficulty speaking
• tremor
• diarrhea

Important Warnings

There are important safety considerations and medical conditions to discuss with your doctor before taking Gabitril.

Who Should Not Take Gabitril

Do not use Gabitril if you are allergic to tiagabine or any ingredients, have severe liver disease, or are taking St John’s Wort (hypericum perforatum). Signs of allergic reaction include shortness of breath, wheezing, difficulty breathing, swelling of face/lips/tongue, or skin rash/hives.

Medical Conditions to Discuss

Tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, including anxiety disorders and depression, or if you take any medicines for other conditions.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant. Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed.

Drug Interactions

Some medicines may interfere with Gabitril and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medicines you are taking.

• Other epilepsy medicines such as phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbitone and primidone
• St John’s Wort (hypericum perforatum)

Alcohol & Driving

Gabitril may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery and can interact with alcohol.

Alcohol

Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol. Alcohol may worsen dizziness or tiredness caused by Gabitril.

Driving and Operating Machinery

Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Gabitril affects you. Gabitril may cause dizziness and tiredness in some people.

Storage

Keep tablets in the pack until time to take them as they may not keep well if removed. Store in a cool dry place where temperature stays below 25°C. Keep away from moisture, heat, sunlight, and out of reach of children. Do not store in bathroom, near sink, in car, or on window sills.

Overdose Information

If you think you have taken too much Gabitril, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department even if there are no signs of discomfort. Overdose symptoms may include sleepiness, dizziness, tremor, unsteadiness, confusion, difficulty speaking, vomiting, breathing difficulties, headache, increased seizures, and coma.

Frequently Asked Questions