Has your doctor prescribed Vigabatrin for you or someone in your family for epilepsy? If so, there are a number of things you need to be aware of when using this medication. It's not just another medication, it requires special attention. So let's talk about it simply and clearly today.
What is this medicine called Vigabatrin?
Simply put, Vigabatrin is a drug that controls the excessive activity of the nerves in our brain. This excessive activity is often the cause of seizures. So this drug works by calming those nerves and controlling and preventing seizures. It is commonly used in the treatment of epilepsy. Sometimes, your doctor may prescribe this drug for other conditions as well.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
Before starting this medication, it is very important to give your doctor a complete account of your health. Do not hide anything. Especially tell them about:
- Mental health: Do you or anyone in your family have a history of suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempts? Do you have conditions like depression?
- Vision problems: Do you have any vision impairment or eye disease?
- Kidney disease: Do you have any kidney-related conditions?
- Anemia: Do you have a low red blood cell count (pale skin, frequent fatigue)?
- Addictions: Have you ever been addicted to drugs or alcohol?
- Allergies: Have you ever had an allergic reaction to this Vigabatrin medication, any other medication, food, or preservatives?
- Pregnancy: Are you trying to get pregnant? Or are you currently pregnant?
- Breastfeeding: Are you a mother breastfeeding your child?
Based on this information, the doctor will decide whether this medication is right for you or not, and if so, how to give it.
How should I use this medicine?
This is a medicine that usually comes in a liquid form and is taken by mouth.
- It is very important to take the medicine every day, at the right time, in the right dosage, as prescribed by the doctor.
- You can take it before or after meals, but if you experience stomach upset, it's best to take it with food.
- Most importantly: Do not mix this medicine with other liquids (e.g. milk, fruit drinks) or with food.
- Continue taking this medicine until your doctor tells you to stop. Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly for any reason. Doing so may increase the risk of a fit.
- Every time you are given this medicine, you will receive a special instruction leaflet (MedGuide) with it. Always read it carefully. It contains a lot of important information.
- If given to children: This medicine can be prescribed for certain conditions, even for children as young as one month old. However, special care should be taken, so if giving it to a child, follow the doctor's instructions exactly.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, don't delay. 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 to do if you miss a dose of medication?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
What other things can interact with this medicine?
Other medications you are taking can affect the way Vigabatrin works. Vigabatrin can also affect other medications. So tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking.
| Drug/substance type | Why should you care? |
|---|---|
| Clonazepam | Taking these two medications together may increase side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness. |
| Phenytoin | Vigabatrin can affect the effectiveness of this medication used for fit. |
| Other medications that can affect the eyes (e.g., interferon-alpha, prednisone) | Vigabatrin may affect vision, so this risk may be increased when taken with other medications that affect the eyes. |
| Alcohol | Drinking alcohol can greatly increase side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and loss of balance. |
This list is not complete. Tell your doctor about all the medications you take (including vitamins and herbal remedies), and if you smoke.
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
- Vision Warning: The most serious and serious side effect of this medication is permanent vision loss. This is not something to be taken lightly. Therefore, your doctor will check your eyes before and during treatment. If you experience any changes in your vision, such as blurred vision, seeing rings around lights, or tunnel vision, tell your doctor immediately.
- Mental health: Another very important thing is to pay attention to your mental health. Watch for new or worsening feelings of suicidal thoughts and depression. Watch for sudden changes in mood and behavior. These can happen at any time, but are most common early in treatment and after changing your medication dosage. If you notice any such changes, tell your doctor right away.
- Driving and using machinery: This medicine may affect your balance, reaction time, and decision-making ability. Therefore, do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you.
- Medical ID: It is very important to carry a card that states that you have epilepsy and the medications you take in case of an emergency.
What side effects might I experience?
| Types of side effects | |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Vision changes | Blurred vision, seeing rings around lights, decreased or lost vision. |
| Decreased red blood cell count | Unusual tiredness, paleness, dizziness, headache, difficulty breathing. |
| Mental changes | Suicidal thoughts or attempts, increased depression, worsening mood. |
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor if they persist or are bothersome | |
| Dizziness, drowsiness | Excessive body fatigue. |
| Loss of balance | Difficulty controlling body balance while walking or working. |
| Changes in limbs | Pain, numbness, and tingling in the limbs. |
| Other | Swelling of the ankles, hands or feet, weight gain. |
Take-Home Message
- Vigabatrin is a very important medication for controlling seizures. Take it exactly as your doctor tells you, at the right time, in the right dosage.
- This medicine can cause serious damage to your vision. If you notice any changes in your vision, tell your doctor immediately. Be sure to get regular eye exams.
- Be vigilant for any mental changes, such as suicidal thoughts and depression. If you notice any changes, seek medical advice immediately.
- Be careful when driving or operating machinery while taking this medication. Avoid drinking alcohol completely.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking and any other medical conditions you have.
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