Links to other pages within Patient UK which are related to this topic:
Experience | Patient+ | News | Products | Other

Print options:

Other options:

Vigabatrin

Post your experience

Vigabatrin can cause drowsiness. Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
Do not stop taking vigabatrin without speaking to your doctor first. Your doctor will need to reduce the dose you are taking gradually.
Important: If you experience any problems with your eyes or vision contact your doctor as soon as possible.

About vigabatrin

Type of medicine	Antiepileptic
Used for	Epilepsy Infantile spasms
Also called	Sabril
Available as	Tablets Powder

Vigabatrin works by reducing the break down of a chemical in the brain which affects electrical activity. In people with epilepsy, this reduces the likelihood of seizures (fits) occurring.

Before taking vigabatrin

Before taking vigabatrin make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
If you have bad eyesight
If you suffer from kidney problems
If you have ever suffered from depression or psychosis (mental health problems)
If you suffer from absence seizures (a form of epilepsy where the person seems to stare into space for a period of time)

How to take vigabatrin

Dissolve vigabatrin powder in water or a soft drink before taking.
Do not stop taking vigabatrin without speaking to your doctor first. Your doctor will need to reduce the dose you are taking gradually.

Getting the most from your treatment

Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so that your progress can be monitored.
Vigabatrin can cause drowsiness. Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
While you are taking vigabatrin, there is a small risk that you may develop mood changes, distressing thoughts and feelings about suicide. If this happens, tell your doctor straight away.

Can vigabatrin cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine	What can I do if I experience this
Drowsiness, dizziness, lack of concentration, blurred vision	Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert. Avoid alcohol; it will increase any feelings of drowsiness
Headache	Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer. If headache continues speak with your doctor.

Other side effects include weakness, nervousness, irritability, mood changes, muscle twitching, unsteadiness, shakiness, feeling sick, pins and needles, memory problems, weight gain or shakiness, confusion.

Important: If you experience any problems with your eyes or vision contact your doctor as soon as possible.

How to store vigabatrin

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines

Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk

DocID:
1510

DocRef:
dils2981

Last Updated:
5 Feb 2007

Date of Next Review:
4 Feb 2009

Version:
24

The authors and editors of this article are employed to create accurate and up to date content reflecting reliable research evidence, guidance and best clinical practice. They are free from any commercial conflicts of interest. Find out more about updating.

Patient UK Hearing Impairment Survey

Patient UK are grateful to the 550 people who took part in this survey.
To see the results click here.
If you'd like to leave your feedback, please go to our interactive forum.

Links to other pages within Patient UK which are related to this topic:
Experience | Patient+ | News | Products | Other

Print options:

Other options:

Advert

Want to search some more? Use the Google Search box below to search our site.

Related pages in Patient UK

Your Experience (^ top of page)

Please add your experience about this condition / medicine

PatientPlus articles related to this topic (^ top of page)

Anticonvulsants used for Partial Seizures

Patient UK Newspaper (^ top of page)

Latest Health News

View current health news

Other - Useful resources (^ top of page)

Pictures, diagrams, photos, images, etc.
Evidence based medicine
Online textbooks and journals
UK Guidelines
Online Videos
Medline
Other good health sites

Want to search some more? Use the Google Search box below to search our site.

Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find a list of Information Leaflets which are related to the topic you are currently viewing

Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find a list of Support Groups which are related to the topic you are currently viewing

Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find a list of Medicines & Drugs which are related to the topic you are currently viewing

Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find a list of diagrams which are related to the topic you are currently viewing

Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find a list of PatientPlus (detailed reference) articles which are related to the topic you are currently viewing

Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find a list of UK Guidelines which are related to the topic you are currently viewing

Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find a list of other selected websites which are related to the topic you are currently viewing

Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find a list of Poems and Stories which are related to the topic you are currently viewing

Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find a list of Operations and Procedures which are related to the topic you are currently viewing

Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find a list of Online Videos which are related to the topic you are currently viewing

Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find links through to our interactive forum.
Here you can follow a link to view existing patient experiences on this subject, or to add your own

Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find links to news stories on this subject in our Online Newspaper

Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find links to related products

Clicking here will take you to the foot of this page where you'll find links to other useful sources of information

Click here to open a printer-friendly version of this document, in a new window, together with the print dialogue box

Click here to open this document in PDF format
This will offer you the usual PDF options i.e. document navigation, search, zoom and formatted print
Note: this is the best way to print the document

Click here to listen to the MP3 audio recording of this document

Click here to download the audio recording of this document as a podcast, for listening to at your leisure

Click here to open our Dictionaries and Glossaries page

Click here to see related products in our Online Pharmacy
Note: this will open in a new window

Click here to add this page to a social bookmarking site of your choice

Click here if you want to find out more about social bookmarking. This link will take you to the Wikipedia explanation
Note: this will open in a new window