Gabitril
Gabitril questions and answers
Learn more about Gabitril.
Q: i am looking for information on a new siezure medication called gabitril?
A: You don't mention if there is anything specific you would like to know about it, but you can read about it here
http://health.yahoo.com/drug/d04221a1
Q: Advice about Gabitril?
I have been prescribed Gabitril as a painkiller for chronic back pain, with the goal of getting off the narcotic painkillers I have been taking for years. Does anyone have any experience with this drug, good or bad. I have read it is an anti-seizure drug primarily, but helps with neuropathic pain. What side effects can I expect, and is it effective for pain relief?
A: Go to www.gabitril.com and it will give you all the information you are seeking regarding this drug.
Q: I was just prescribed Gabitril in stead of Lorazapam(adavan)?
what are teh differences? I am experience slight withdrawal fromt he benzo is it wrong of my doctor not to "Ween" me off the benzo? just trying to find all the info i can about the drug...my Physiologist as well as my father who is a Forensic Psychiatrist said it was wrong of him lhe said making a dependencies upon the doctor, which is not right? looking for input
thanks the jay man
A: Yes if you were taking it more than approximately 30 days, then you should have definitely been tapered off.
15-30 days its up to the doctors discretion to taper off, but personally I think it's better to the taper the patient off.
1-15 usually not tapered off.
Q: When does the withdrawl start affecting people on meds?
If a person takes Trazodone,Gabitril and Lamictil @ bedtime and they miss that night, when do they start feeling that missed dose. I have asked this question b4 & really did not get a clear answer. There has got to be some kind of time frame ( i would think). My friend feels pretty "disconnected" by the time of the next dose.
A: If someone forgets one dose, they generally won't feel actual withdrawals, but sometimes others can notice a change in them. Believe me, if you're having an off day, people will ask if you forgot your meds. It's annoying, but occasionally they're right.
So missing one dose can have an effect, but it's subtle.
But I've never been on Trazodone or Gabitril, just Lamictal.
Q: has anyone been on or know someone who was on gabitril while pregnant?
im asking because my friend is on it and she is pregnant the dr said its ok but with all the meds that are now bad for fetuses that they thought were ok we wanting to know if anyone had a problem
i had to but my question short sorry
but you seen the comercials about all the meds causing problems they dont know if this will effect the baby so we were wanting to see if anyone knew anything
A: Any medication is unhealthy for the fetus except Tylenol & tums. SERIOUSLY... I am not joking because my sister in law took all kinds of meds that her doctor told her were okay and my darling little nephew was born with all kinds stomach and anus problems.... It was a mess. I would tell her to not take ANYTHING AT FREAKING ALL...It is really scary what medications can do to you...
Q: When and why does a psychiatrist prescribe GEODON?
and they are already taking Lamictil.Gabitril & Trazodone on a regular basis and Klonopin as needed?
A: As an anti-psychotic and/or to counteract manic behavior in BiPolar Disorder. Lamictal is an anti-seizure medication but is also used to control manic behavior in BiPolar Disorder. Gabitril is used for BiPolar as well to control chemical imbalances of GABA. Trazadone is an old line anti-depressant which is usually used at bedtime to help one sleep. Klonopin is a benzodiazepime used for anxiety and sleeplessness and sometimes for seizures.
Hope this helps.
Q: Tiagabine or "Gabitril: Can you get high?
don't leave comments like "don't do drugs. pills are so bad for you!"
i don't care
A: el stupido
Q: please help!! my wife is pregnant and on gabitril for hre seizures, doctor says......?
Ok my wife is 13 weeks pregnany and we went to a high risk doctor for pregnany, she is on Gabitril which is a medicine that helps prevent seizures. The doctor says that if she is on this medicine the baby will have an 80 percent chance of dying 8-10 days after birth. this is horrible news and we are both very saddened by this. im hoping the doctor is wrong or we missunderstood her somehow. is there anyone that has been on this drug while pregnany? how did the pregnany turn out?? is there anyone on on here that is a hiigh risk pregnany doctor that can tell us some better news?? any help is appreciated. Is it too late in pregnany to get her off this medicine and on to something else or has the damage been done already? so far her ultrasound are good. please dont respond to this with information if you havent went through pregnancy while on this drug or know someone who has, or your not a doctor, i dont want any miss information, we are scared as it is, pleas help us with info, thanks.
A: I'm so sorry for your news. May G-d be with you and baby.
Q: I shoplift everyday. I am bipolar. I take gabitril & Zoloft & wellbutrin.?
Every time I go in a store I do it even though there is nothing there that i want. I have figured out many techniqes & must be quiet good at it. Yes I am SCARED of getting arrested but I still can't stop doing it.
A: You need to commit yourself where you cant get into trouble until you get this under control. The court wont care if your bi polar or not because there is help for people like you. You have choices and if you dont make the right one no court will take pity on you.
Q: What is Gabitril prescribed for? Common uses? I'm prescribed it. Trying to get some info on what it does?
I'm prescribed it for anxiety and being "jumpy" or startled easily. Anyway... What are some common reasons for why someone would be put on it. I read on the sheet that came with the bottle that it can help with seizures, but what else? Because I obviously don't have seizures, so there are obviously other things it is prescribed for. How does it make you feel? What is it supposed to do?
Does it have to do with allowing you to think more clearly or something? I'm not exactly sure..
I'm starting out on 7mg and working my way up so that the side affects won't be so bad.
Thanks
A: PLEASE READ ALL THE INFO ON HERE! THE FDA HAS PUT OUT A BLACK LABEL WARNING ON GABITRIL!! IT CAN CAUSE STATUS EPILEPTICUS IN PATIENTS THAT DO NOT HAVE EPILEPSY! STATUS EPILEPTICUS IS A SERIOUS AND POSSIBLY LIFE THREATNING THING! IT IS REAPEATED SEIZURES, CONVULSIONS NON STOP!
The exact way that tiagabine works is unknown. However, it is believed that it alters chemical impulses in the brain that cause seizures.
Tiagabine is used to control seizures
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking tiagabine and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
increasing frequency or worsening of seizures;
irregular back-and-forth movements of the eyes (nystagmus);
weakness; or
rash.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take tiagabine and talk to your doctor if you experience
dizziness, poor coordination, or drowsiness;
nausea and vomiting;
agitation or nervousness; or
tremor.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect tiagabine?
Tiagabine interacts with many of the other drugs used to treat seizures. Before taking tiagabine, tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking. You may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking a combination of medications to treat seizures. Continue to take all medications prescribed to treat seizures exactly as directed.
Tiagabine may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Do not take other medications that may increase drowsiness without first talking to your doctor.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with tiagabine or affect your condition. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.
The epilepsy drug Gabitril is often used to treat conditions other than epilepsy. This use can actually cause seizures, says the FDA.
Gabitril has been used since 1997 for patients 12 years of age and older as treatment for partial seizures -- a form of epilepsy. But Gabitril is often used to treat other conditions, particularly psychiatric illnesses.
Recently, the FDA has become aware of reports of seizures in 30 patients prescribed Gabitril for conditions other than epilepsy. Gabitril's maker, Cephalon, Inc. has agreed to launch an educational campaign to discourage the use of Gabitril for anything other than epilepsy.
The FDA has received several reports of status epilepticus in patients without epilepsy. Status epilepticus is a particularly dangerous condition in which patients have continuous seizures without regaining consciousness between seizures.
Typically, the seizures have occurred soon after starting treatment with Gabitril, or soon after an increase in dose. But some patients had seizures after several months of treatment.
Some seizures have even occurred at very low doses compared with the doses typically used to treat epilepsy. Most of the patients in whom seizures occurred were also taking other medications that may infrequently cause seizures. However, the FDA says that the relationship between the time Gabitril was started, or the dose was increased, strongly suggests the seizures were caused by Gabitril.
Since the system for reporting adverse events is voluntary, it is expected that the number of patients who have experienced a seizure while taking Gabitril is likely to be greater than the number reported, although it is impossible to know what the difference might be.
Because seizures are serious and potentially life-threatening events and because doctors are unlikely to expect that a drug to treat epilepsy can cause seizures in other patients, the FDA has requested that the drug's maker send a letter to doctors alerting them of this warning.
Q: I have borderline personality disorder and have been prescribed zoloft (200); trazodon for sleeping & anti-?
anxiety; and now gabitril. i'm assuming because i have a weak right side and it shakes uncontrollably, though not completely detrimentally. can anyone tell me the side effects for gabitril. the uses?
A: See BPD, in section 15, at http://www.ezy-build.net/. (.net.nz/~shaneris) [Type, and enter the following URL, in the usual manner: h t t p : / / w w w . e z y - b u i l d . n e t . n z / ~ s h a n e r i s ] and seek the recommended DBT. BPD is often misdiagnosed, so it is often worth getting a second opinion. Personally, I'd opt for a psychologist who believes in only recommending minimal necessary medication, if at all, because they don't issue prescriptions, so are considerably less likely to be involved with the rewards, and inducements offered by sales reps from "big pharma": the large drug companies, to psychiatrists (there are links to, or articles on how psychiatry has become corrupted by money from drug companies, and "how doctors are being manipulated", in section 1, at ezy build: worth reading!). Gabitril:
Category
Anticonvulsant
Description
Tiagabine (tye-AG-a-been) is used to help control some types of seizures in the treatment of epilepsy. This medicine cannot cure epilepsy and will only work to control seizures for as long as you continue to take it.
Tiagabine is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage form:
Oral
Tablets (U.S.)
Before Using This Medicine
In 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
Proper Use of This Medicine
Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor, to help your condition as much as possible. Do not take more or less of it, and do not take it more or less often than your doctor ordered.
Tiagabine should be taken with food or on a full stomach.
Dosing—The dose of tiagabine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of tiagabine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The number of tablets that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are taking tiagabine .
For oral dosage form (tablets):
For epilepsy:
Adults and teenagers 12 years of age and older—At first, 4 milligrams (mg) once a day. Your doctor may increase your dose slowly as needed and tolerated. However, the dose usually is not greater than 56 mg a day.
Children up to 12 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by the doctor.
Missed dose—If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Storage—To store this medicine:
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store away from heat and direct light.
Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
Keep the medicine from freezing. Do not refrigerate.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.
Precautions While Using This Medicine
Tiagabine may cause dizziness, drowsiness, trouble in thinking, trouble with motor skills, or vision problems. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert, well-coordinated, or able to think or see well .
This medicine will add to the effects of alcohol and other CNS depressants (medicines that make you drowsy or less alert). Some examples of CNS depressants are antihistamines or medicine for hay fever, other allergies, or colds; sedatives, tranquilizers, or sleeping medicine; prescription pain medicine or narcotics; barbiturates; other medicines for seizures; muscle relaxants; or anesthetics, including some dental anesthetics. Check with your medical doctor or dentist before taking any of the above while you are taking tiagabine.
Do not stop taking tiagabine without first checking with your doctor . Stopping the medicine suddenly may cause your seizures to return or to occur more often. Your doctor may want you to gradually reduce the amount you are taking before stopping completely.
Side Effects of This Medicine
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
More common
Blue or purple spots on skin; difficulty in concentrating or paying attention
Less common
Burning, numbness, or tingling sensations; clumsiness or unsteadiness; confusion; itching; mental depression; speech or language problems
Rare
Agitation; bloody or cloudy urine; burning, pain, or difficulty in urinating; frequent urge to urinate; generalized weakness; hostility; memory problems; quick to react or overreact emotionally; rash; uncontrolled back-and-forth and/or rolling eye movements; walking in unusual manner
Symptoms of overdose
Agitation (severe); clumsiness or unsteadiness (severe); coma; confusion (severe); drowsiness (severe); increase in seizures; mental depression; severe muscle twitching or jerking; sluggishness; speech problems (severe); weakness
Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:
More common
Chills; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; fever; headache; muscle aches or pain; nervousness; sore throat; tremor; unusual tiredness or weakness; vomiting
Less common
Abdominal pain; flushing; impaired vision; increased appetite; increased cough; mouth ulcers; muscle weakness; nausea; pain; trouble in sleeping
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.
Q: 39 yr old 80 lbs anorexic took too much meds?
I am a 39 yr old 80 lb anorexic at 5'4". I took 4 mg of Xanax and 4 mg of Ativan along with 4 mg of Gabitril. that was several hours ago. I slept for a while but am still quite drowsy. at my weight how much of these meds is too much to cause and overdose?
A: call the local poison control center and ask them.
you're in a precarious situation.
get a REAL answer
Q: plaquenil sulf 200mg can you eat grapefruit with this medication?
I am taking these medication and i am trying to fine out if any of these medication you can not take grapefruit with. zoloft 100mg, doxycycline 100mg,nexium 40mg,singurlair 10mg,ambien cr 12.5mg,gabitril 4mg,plaque nil sulf 200mg
A: This is Alternative Medicine so most of us are not all that familiar with pharmaceuticals. You'd find better answers in another category. If it were me, I would ask my pharmacist. He has ready reference for this sort of thing.
Q: Medication brain damage?
I was on the following medication all at once for about a month and a half.
1. Paxil 20mg.
2. Gabitril 6mg.
3. Propanolol 5mg.
4. Depakote 500mg.
5. Zyprexa 5mg.
6. Verapamil 120mg.
7. Multi-vitamin.
8. Folic acid 1 mg.
I was ordered by a psychiatrist to take all of these at once. Is it possible that taking all of these at once for about a month and a half could cause significant and permanent brain damage? Should I call a charitable organization and get a last request? If so could someone please hook me up with a grant a wish program for adults?
A: Well unless you are court ordered to take those medications you are not "ordered" to take them.
That is a most bizarre cocktail of drugs but they will not cause brain damage of any kind. Only about half are psychoactive drugs the rest are not really psychoactive. And why a psychiatrist want you on Verapamil is just beyond odd. I know of perhaps one highly off label use. I am not sure what you are being treated for and it might be worth getting a second opinion. Perhaps the meds will help but they will certainly not cause brain damage. No need to think about a "last request."
Good luck
Q: How do I cope with feelings of impending doom?
I constantly feel like something I have done in my life is going to kill me, and I constantly feel like I am going to die soon from something. I am afraid that I have taken too much medication in my life and it is going to catch up to me. I have taken over about twenty different drugs that are for psychiatric problems in the past. Not to mention I have taken about twenty for medical problems in the past. I didn't take all of these at the same time, and I took most of them a decent time apart.
I am so afraid I may have done damage tomy brain. However about four months ago I had multiple tests on my heart and a scan of my brain to see if everything was okay. Nothing came back positive for problems. I got off of my anti-depressant about a month ago and the withdrawals have almost completely stopped. Can anyone shed some light on what's going on with me and if I am going to die soon? If I am going to die soon I would like to see all of my family and friends and tell them goodbye and that I love them.
Drugs I have been on that I can think of:
1. Sereoquil (A few times)
2. Vistaril (For a couple of months)
3. Paxil (Three years)
4. Wellbutrin (Once)
5. Prozac (two weeks)
6. Depakote (Three months)
7. Gabitril (Four months)
8. Phenobarbitol (Four times)
9. Ativan (three weeks)
10. Klonopin (four months)
11. Zyprexa (three months)
12. Propanalol (three months)
13. Verapamil (one month)
14. Aspirin (a few times)
15. Tylenol (periodically for pain)
16. Marijuana (Few times)
17. Embalming fluid (once)
18. Omeprazol (month)
19. Pepto Bismal (periodically)
20. Mylanta (periodically)
21. Torodal (once)
22. Vicodin (two weeks)
23. Folic Acid (six months)
24. Benedryll (periodically)
25. Claritin (week)
26. Zyrtec (few times)
27. Dymatap (few times)
28. Ibuprofen (periodically)
29. Abilify (a few times)
30. Trazadone (few times)
31. Alcohol (twice)
32. Nicotine (three years)
33. Uni-daily vitamen
That's about all I can think of for now. I would just like to say the only things I am taking now are over the counter tylenol and perscription omeprazol. Do you think doing all these medications over my life time would have a physical detrimental impact on my health.
A: That is a lot over the years. two things. one is more a question the other is just incite. My question is; do you feel depressed? I understand you are coming off medication, but maybe you are having a side effect from the medication (Psychiatric side effects
Psychiatric side effects have been reported rarely. These have included depression, nervousness, hallucinations, insomnia, anxiety, dream disturbances, and apathy. http://www.drugs.com/sfx/omeprazole-side-effects.html)
I mean its hard to help someone with out being able to talk talk, and im not certified or anything, but just from experience......
honestly, i have had the same feelings and i have been depressed for a very long time, and never have taken medication because my mother never would let me get help.
If deep down you feel that the drugs have had a bad effect on you and that they are making your body shut down, maybe you should try a cleansing. most organic stores have these kits to cleanse your body of junk...
well i hope that i gave you some helpful advice....