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
Blurred vision, Double vision, Tremors, Weight gain, Headache, Sleepiness, Diarrhea, Nausea, Nasopharyngitis (inflammation of the throat and nasal passages), Peripheral edema, Anemia (low number of red blood cells), Birth defects, Gastrointestinal bleeding, Optic neuritis, Dystonia (involuntary muscle contractions), Muscle spasticity, Pulmonary embolism, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, Toxic epidermal necrolysis, Angioedema (swelling of deeper layers of skin), Hair loss
Available Medicine for Vigabatrin
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
Vigabatrin
Q. Why has doctor asked me to get my vision tested? Can Vigabatrin affect vision?
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.
Q. My child was first prescribed Vigabatrin in powder form but now it has been changed to tablet. Will this have a lessened effect?
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.
Q. Does Vigabatrin have psychiatric side effects? If yes, what are they?
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.