Vigabatrin
INFORMATION ABOUT VIGABATRIN
Vigabatrin Uses
Vigabatrin is used in the treatment of epilepsy/seizures and infantile spasms.
How Vigabatrin works
Vigabatrin is a an antiepileptic medication. It works by increasing the action of a chemical messenger (GABA) which suppresses the abnormal and excessive activity of the nerve cells in the brain.
Common side effects of Vigabatrin
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common
Blurred vision, Double vision, Tremors, Weight gain, Headache, Sleepiness, Diarrhea, Nausea, Nasopharyngitis (inflammation of the throat and nasal passages), Peripheral edema
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Last updated
02 Jan 2023 | 09:18 AM (UTC)
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Expert advice for Vigabatrin
- Take your medication regularly as directed by your doctor as missing doses can trigger seizures.
- Do not change the brand of your medicine and make sure that you have sufficient amount of medicine present with you.
- Some healthy tips to prevent seizures:
- Take a healthy diet along with regular exercise.
- Practice yoga every day.
- Get enough sleep at nighttime.
- Limit the use of screen time such as a mobile/ laptop.
- Take your medication on time.
- It may cause drowsiness. Do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how it affects you.
- This medicine can cause visual problems. Your doctor will check your eyesight before you start treatment and regularly thereafter. Inform your doctor immediately if you notice any change in your eyesight.
- Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without talking to your doctor first.
Frequently asked questions for Vigabatrin
It is important to get your vision checked while taking Vigabatrin because it can lead to loss of vision. Your doctor may get your vision checked at the start of treatment, 4 weeks after starting treatment, then after every 3 months during the treatment and 3-6 months after stopping the treatment.
No, your doctor will adjust the dose of Vigabatrin tablets based on your child’s body weight and age. This will have the same effect as the powder.
The common psychiatric side effects of Vigabatrin include agitation, aggression, nervousness, irritability, depression, thought disturbance and paranoia (feeling suspicious without reason) and sleeplessness. These side effects are usually reversible when the dose is reduced or gradually discontinued. Severe psychological disturbances (such as feeling elated or over-excited which may cause unusual behavior and the person may feel detached from reality) are rare but may also occur.
If you take more than the recommended dose of Vigabatrin, you should immediately consult your doctor or go to a nearby hospital. Possible symptoms of overdose include drowsiness or loss/depressed level of consciousness.
Your doctor will suggest you the duration for which you need to take Vigabatrin. However, do not stop taking Vigabatrin on your own because stopping it may cause seizures to recur in a worse manner. Consult your doctor if you face any issues with Vigabatrin.
Yes, Vigabatrin may affect memory and concentration in some people. There may be other factors that may contribute to memory problems like depression, anxiety, sleep disturbance and frequent seizures. Talk to your doctor if you have any of these.
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, just take one dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.
It is important to take Vigabatrin at prescribed intervals. Plan ahead and ask your doctor to help you adjust to time zone changes. Carry Vigabatrin in its original packaging along with doctor’s prescription. Vigabatrin may be available abroad depending on your destination. But, it is advisable that you carry enough stock for yourself.