Tiagabine is used together with other medicines to treat epilepsy (fits or seizures) in individuals who are inadequately controlled with other medicines.
Take Tiagabine exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Take it together with food or immediately after a meal. Try to take it at the same time each day.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your condition.
Tiagabine must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it suddenly as this may worsen your condition.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have severe liver disease as Tiagabine may not be suitable for you.
Do not take this medicine with St. John's wort (herbal medicine).
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- history of serious behavioural problems
- mild to moderate liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Tiagabine to a child or the elderly. Children and elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. liver function, levels of the medicine in the blood) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring of signs of depression or suicidal thoughts and behaviour may also be needed.
Tiagabine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, tiredness, nervousness, difficulty controlling movements such as unsteadiness in walking, tremors, muscle twitching, speech and concentration problem.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed, agitated or having compulsive and impulsive behaviour)
- having thoughts of self-harm
- unusual bruising
- rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth or eyes accompanied by fever
- changes in your eyesight or in the way you see colour
- moderately severe to incapacitating weakness throughout the body
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Tiagabine with St. John's wort (herbal medicine).
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking other medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, primidone.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Protect from light and moisture.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.