Tiagabine (Systemic)
Brand Names : Gabitril
Before Using This MedicineIn deciding to use a medicine,
the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will
do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For tiagabine, the following
should be considered:
Allergies - Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or
allergic reaction to tiagabine. Also tell your health care professional if
you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or
dyes.
Pregnancy - Tiagabine has not been studied in pregnant women.
However, studies in pregnant animals have shown that tiagabine may cause harmful
effects in the fetus when given to the mother in doses greater than the usual
human dose. Before taking this medicine, make sure your doctor knows if you
are pregnant or if you may become pregnant.
Breast-feeding - It is not known whether tiagabine passes into breast
milk. Although most medicines pass into breast milk in small amounts, many
of them may be used safely while breast-feeding. Mothers who are taking this
medicine and who wish to breast-feed should discuss this with their doctor.
Children - Although there is no specific information comparing
use of tiagabine in children younger than 12 years of age with use in other
age groups, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects
or problems in children than it does in adults.
Older adults - Many medicines have not been studied specifically
in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly
the same way they do in younger adults. Although there is no specific information
comparing use of tiagabine in the elderly with use in other age groups, this
medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in older
people than it does in younger adults.
Other medicines - Although certain medicines should not be used
together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together
even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to
change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking
tiagabine, it is especially important that your health care professional know
if you are taking any of the following:
-
Carbamazepine (e.g., Tegretol) or
-
Phenobarbital or
-
Phenytoin (e.g., Dilantin) or
-
Primidone (e.g., Mysoline) - Lower blood levels of tiagabine
may occur, so tiagabine may not work properly; your doctor may need to adjust
your dosage
Other medical problems - The presence of other medical
problems may affect the use of tiagabine. Make sure you tell your doctor if
you have any other medical problems, especially:
-
Liver problems - Higher blood levels of tiagabine may result,
leading to an increase in the chance of side effects
-
Status epilepticus - Tiagabine may cause the condition to recur
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