Gabitril Tablet: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Gabitril Tablet (tiagabine hydrochloride) is a prescription anti-epilepsy medicine belonging to the gamma-aminobutyric acid reuptake inhibitor class of antiepileptic/anticonvulsant drugs. It is used together with other seizure medicines to help control partial seizures in adults and children 12 years and older. Gabitril works by raising levels of a calming brain chemical called GABA to help reduce how often seizures happen.

What is Gabitril Tablet

Gabitril is a prescription anti-epilepsy medicine (anticonvulsant) used together with other seizure medicines to help control partial seizures in adults and children 12 years and older.

Gabitril Tablet uses

• Used in combination with other medicines to treat partial seizures in adults and children age 12 and older
• Used with other medicines to control some types of seizures (fits) in people with epilepsy

Benefits of Gabitril Tablet

• May reduce how often seizures occur
• May help improve seizure control when another medicine alone is insufficient
• May reduce interruptions to daily routines caused by seizures
• May help maintain independence when seizures are better controlled
• May support more consistent participation in everyday activities

How Gabitril Tablet works

Gabitril raises the level of a calming brain chemical called GABA, which helps control nerve signals so that seizures happen less often.

Gabitril Tablet dosage

Take Gabitril with food or during a meal or snack, and swallow the tablets with a full glass of water. Take the medicine at the same times each day. Your doctor will start you on a low dose and gradually increase it to control your seizures. If you miss a dose, do not double up on your next dose; if you miss multiple doses, contact your doctor. Do not stop taking Gabitril suddenly without talking to your doctor, since this can increase seizures.

In adolescents 12 to 18 years old, dosing follows a similar gradual increase as in adults but with a lower maximum total daily dose. Elderly patients may be treated with caution; your doctor will decide if it is the best treatment for you.

Available forms and strengths

• Tablet

Side effects of Gabitril Tablet

Common

• Dizziness
• Lack of energy/tiredness/weakness
• Drowsiness/sleepiness
• Nausea/stomach pain
• Nervousness or irritability
• Tremor
• Difficulty concentrating or paying attention
• Diarrhoea

Serious

• New or worsening seizures
• Confusion, extreme weakness
• Light-headed feeling, like you might pass out
• Vision problems/visual defects
• Severe skin reaction with fever, sore throat, swelling, blistering and peeling skin (serious rash)
• Thoughts of hurting yourself or suicide
• Generalized weakness all over the body
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Feeling depressed
• Seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there (hallucinations)

Warnings and precautions

• Gabitril can cause seizures, including ones that don't stop, in people who do not have epilepsy. Like other antiepileptic drugs, Gabitril may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions in a small number of people. 
• Do not stop taking Gabitril suddenly, as this can cause serious problems including more frequent seizures or seizures that won't stop. 
• Gabitril should not be taken with severe liver disease or together with St. John's Wort. Serious skin rashes have occurred with Gabitril and can be life-threatening.
• It is not known if Gabitril can harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, think you might be, or plan to become pregnant, so you and your doctor can decide together whether to continue treatment.
• It is not known if Gabitril passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Talk to your doctor about the best way to feed your baby if you are taking this medicine.
• If you have liver problems, your doctor may need to lower your dose of Gabitril because your body may clear the medicine more slowly.
• Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Gabitril without talking to your doctor first, since it can make dizziness or sleepiness worse.
• Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how Gabitril affects you, since it can slow your thinking and reactions and cause dizziness or drowsiness.

Storage

• Store tablets at controlled room temperature, between 20-25°C (68-77°F)
• Protect from light and moisture
• Keep tablets in the original package until ready to use
• Do not store above 25°C
• Keep out of the reach and sight of children
• Do not use after the expiry date
• Do not throw away medicines via wastewater or household waste; ask your pharmacist how to dispose of unused medicine

When to see a doctor

• Get emergency help right away for signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, fever, swollen glands, painful mouth or eye sores, trouble breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Call your doctor right away if you have new or worsening seizures
• Call your doctor immediately if you have thoughts of suicide or self-harm, new or worse depression, anxiety, agitation, aggression, or other sudden mood or behavior changes
• Contact your doctor immediately if you notice a serious rash, fluid-filled blisters, spontaneous bruising, or blackening of the skin
• If you think you have taken too much Gabitril, seek emergency medical attention or contact poison control right away
• Contact your doctor if you notice any vision changes, since Gabitril may rarely cause visual field problems

Alternatives

• Topiramate
• Lamotrigine
• Levetiracetam