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Tiagabine

Pronounced

"tie-GAB-een"

Uses

Tiagabine is used with other medications to treat certain types of seizures (focal seizures). It works by reducing the spread of seizure activity in the brain. This medication is known as an anticonvulsant or anti-epileptic drug.

When tiagabine has been used for conditions other than epilepsy, serious reactions (including seizures in people who have never had them) have occurred. Talk to your doctor for more details.

How to Use This Medication

Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking tiagabine and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth with food as directed by your doctor. To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. During the first week of treatment, this medication is usually taken once a day. On the following weeks, your doctor may increase your dose to 2 to 4 times daily. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.

Tiagabine is not usually used by itself. Do not stop your other anti-seizure medication unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and other medications you may be taking. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.

Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions (such as seizures) may become worse when this drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.

If you stop taking this medication for several days, talk with your doctor about how to restart it. You may need to restart with a low dose and slowly increase your dose again.

Tell your doctor if your seizures get worse.