How does it work?

Vigabatrin is an anti-epileptic medicine that can be used to regulate the activity of nerves. The brain and nerves are made up of many nerve cells that communicate with each other through electrical signals. These signals must be carefully regulated for the brain and nerves to function properly. When abnormally rapid and repetitive electrical signals are released in the brain, it becomes over-stimulated and normal function is disturbed. This results in fits or seizures. GABA is a chemical that, when released in the brain, acts as a natural calming agent and keeps the nerve activity in balance. Too little GABA, the brain may become overexcited leading to anxiety and fitting. Once the brain absorbs the GABA (uptake), this chemical can no longer act on the nerves. Vigabatrin increases the concentration of GABA by preventing the uptake of GABA in the brain. This enables GABA to calm nerve cells for a longer period of time. By calming nerve cells, vigabatrin prevents excessively rapid and repetitive firing of electrical signals. Thereby electrical nerve activity in the brain is stabilised, leading to prevention of fits and maintenance of normal brain function. Vigabatrin is used to treat epilepsy in those who are not well controlled by or are unable to take other anti-epileptic medicines. It is also used to treat West's syndrome.

What is it used for?

Generalised tonic-clonic seizures

Infant spasms

Partial seizures

Warning!

This medicine may reduce your ability to drive or operate machinery safely. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you and you are sure it won't affect your performance.

Avoid stopping this medicine suddenly. The dose of this medicine should be gradually decreased over a period of two to four weeks.

After months to years of taking this medication, damage to vision may occur. Regular eye examinations should be conducted and notify your doctor if any change in vision occurs.

Use with caution in

Children under 9 years of age

Decreased kidney function

Elderly people

History of a group of mental disorders (psychoses)

History of behavioural problems

History of depression

Not to be used in

People with pre-existing significant eye problems causing defects of vision (e.g. glaucoma)

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnancy unless considered essential by your doctor. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine should not be used by breastfeeding mothers. Discuss this with your doctor.

Label warnings

Do not stop taking this medication except on your doctor's advice.

This medication may cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery.

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