Living with epilepsy, or as we call it, 'fits', is sometimes not as easy as it seems. But don't worry, there are many effective medications available today that can help control this condition. Tiagabine is one such medication. If your doctor has prescribed this medication for you, this article is here to answer any questions you may have about it. Let's talk about it simply.
What kind of medicine is Tiagabine?
Simply put, Tiagabine is a medicine that is given to control your epilepsy and prevent seizures. Our brain has nerve cells, and sometimes these become overactive. Just like a child who is always fidgeting. That's how epilepsy occurs when the nerves are overstimulated. This medicine works by calming down those overactive nerves. That is, it brings the brain's activity back to normal. Your doctor may also prescribe it for other medical reasons.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
Before prescribing this medicine to you, your doctor will need to know your complete health history. Therefore, it is very important that you tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
| Situation to be concerned about | Why should you tell the doctor? |
|---|---|
| Liver disease | Since this medication is eliminated from the body through the liver, the dosage may need to be adjusted if you have liver problems. |
| Disappointed thoughts about life | If you or anyone in your family has had thoughts of suicide in the past, be sure to tell them. This medicine can sometimes affect such thoughts. |
| Other allergies | If you are allergic to any other medicine, food, or dye, not just Tiagabine, please let us know. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant | You need to talk to your doctor about how this medicine will affect the baby in the womb. |
| If a mother is breastfeeding her child | Since the medication can pass to the baby through breast milk, discuss that with your doctor as well. |
How should I use the medicine?
The method of using this medicine is very simple, but it is very important to follow the instructions exactly.
- Take with a glass of water: Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.
- Take with food: Taking this medication with food can reduce stomach discomfort.
- Take it on time: Take the correct dose exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you have to take it multiple times a day, try to keep the time between doses the same.
- Do not increase the dosage: Do not take more than the prescribed amount.
- Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly (very important): It is very dangerous to stop taking this medicine suddenly without your doctor's advice. Doing so may make your seizures worse or make them more frequent. If you do stop taking the medicine, you should do so gradually, as your doctor tells you.
When you are prescribed medication, you may receive a special instruction leaflet (MedGuide) with it. It is important to always read and understand it carefully.
Should this medicine be given to children?
This medicine is sometimes given to young children over 12 years of age. But it is done with great care and under special medical supervision. If you give this medicine to a child, you should follow the doctor's instructions exactly.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you suddenly think you have taken too much of this medicine, do not delay for a minute. This is an emergency. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or, go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
Other medications you are taking may interact with Tiagabine. Therefore, tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements). Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medications:
- Carbamazepine
- Phenobarbital
- Phenytoin
- Primidone
- Triazolam
- Valproic acid
This list is just a few examples. Therefore, it is very important for your own safety to inform your doctor about all medications you are taking.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
See the doctor regularly.
After starting this medication, check in with your doctor regularly to see how you are doing. It may take several weeks or months to adjust the dose to the right level. If your seizures get worse during this time, or if you have new types of seizures, tell your doctor right away.
Driving and tasks that require attention
Some people may feel a little sleepy, dizzy, or have blurred vision after taking this medicine. Therefore, do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. To avoid dizziness, especially if you are elderly, do not get up from a sitting position or move from a standing position to a sitting position suddenly.
Stay away from alcohol.
Drinking alcohol can increase the drowsiness and dizziness caused by this medication. Therefore, avoid drinking alcohol completely while taking this medication.
Take care of your mental health.
This is very important. Some people taking this medicine may be at slightly increased risk of feeling sad, depressed, or suicidal . If you feel sad, angry, or depressed, or if you have negative thoughts about life, don't ignore it. Tell your doctor or a trusted family member right away.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, Tiagabine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
| Type of side effect | Characteristics | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| If you experience these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately. | |||
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. | ||
| Mental changes | Suicidal thoughts, depression, and increased sadness. | ||
| Epilepsy on the rise | New or worsening seizures. | ||
| Serious skin problems | Vision changes | Blurred vision or other changes. | |
| These are usually not serious, but if they persist, tell your doctor. | |||
| Common side effects |
| ||
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience anything different, please contact your doctor for medical advice.
How should you store your medicine?
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- Store at room temperature (between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius). Keep away from light and moisture.
- Safely dispose of any medicine left over after the expiration date.
This article only provides a brief overview of Tiagabine. If you have any further questions, don't be afraid to talk to your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly without your doctor's advice. Doing so can be dangerous.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications you take, including vitamins and traditional medicines.
- If you experience any changes in your mental state while taking the medication, especially negative thoughts about life, inform your doctor immediately.
- Avoid driving and doing activities that require alertness until you know if this medicine makes you drowsy or dizzy.
- In case of accidental overdose, immediately go to the National Poisons Information Centre or the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU).
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