Where is Tiagabine Hydrochloride used?

Tiagabine Hydrochloride is used for the treatment of focal seizures. This is used with other medications to help lessen the spread of seizure activity in the brain. This is known as an antiepileptic medication. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has already approved this prescription. 

How does Tiagabine Hydrochloride work?

Tiagabine Hydrochloride works by stabilizing electrical activity in the brain. This medication affects the activity of a neurotransmitter called GABA. Neurotransmitters are natural body chemicals that are stored in nerve cells. They are involved in transmitting messages between the nerve cells. GABA is a neurotransmitter that acts as a natural nerve-calming agent. It helps keep the electrical nerve activity in the brain in balance. Tiagabine Hydrochloride prevents the uptake of GABA in the brain. This allows GABA to calm the nerve activity in the brain for a longer period, which helps to prevent seizures. 

How is Tiagabine Hydrochloride taken?

This medication is to be taken by mouth as directed by your doctor. Your doctor may direct you to start this at a low dose and slowly increase it. Starting this at a low dose may lessen your risk of side effects. During the first week of treatment, this medication is usually taken once a day. In the following weeks, your doctor may increase your dose to 2 to 4 times a day. Follow the instructions of your doctor carefully.

The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to the treatment, or other medications you are taking. Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. Do not stop taking this without consent from your doctor. 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. 

What are the possible side effects of Tiagabine Hydrochloride?

• Cough
• Sleep problems or insomnia
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain
• Vomiting 
• Nausea
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness

What are the precautions in using Tiagabine Hydrochloride?

• This medicine may lessen your ability to drive or operate machinery safely. Do not operate machinery or drive until you know how this medicine affects you and you are sure it won’t affect your performance.
• If you experience any changes in your vision while taking this medicine you should consult your doctor. Your doctor may want you to go for an eye test.
• If you experience any unexplained bruising while taking this medicine you should let your doctor know. He may want you to have a blood test to check your blood cells.
• Tiagabine Hydrochloride should be used with caution in people with mild to moderately decreased liver function, hereditary blood disorders, or a history of serious behavioral problems. 
• This is not recommended for use in children under 12 years of age, those with rare hereditary problems of glucose-galactose malabsorption, Lapp lactase deficiency, or galactose intolerance.