• Why is GABITRIL (tiagabine HCl) being prescribed for me?
• What is important information to know about GABITRIL?
• When should I take my GABITRIL?
• Do I need to take GABITRIL with food?
• What are the common side effects of GABITRIL?
• Where should I keep my GABITRIL?
• What should I do if I take too much GABITRIL?
• Is GABITRIL habit forming?
• Can I take GABITRIL with other medications?
• What if I become pregnant?

Your doctor has prescribed GABITRIL because your condition may be caused by an imbalance of a chemical called GABA in your brain.

Nerve cells send signals within the brain

The brain—the center of the nervous system—contains billions of nerve cells that send signals within the brain and throughout the body using chemical messengers. These signals control everything in the body from walking to sneezing. GABA is a naturally occurring chemical in the brain that is responsible for maintaining normal brain function. Let’s take a closer look at how GABA activity works between nerve cells.

Normal GABA activity between nerve cells
	Normally, GABA is released by one nerve cell and either binds to another nerve cell or gets reabsorbed. Normal brain function occurs when enough GABA binds to the other nerve cell, preventing overactivity in the brain.

GABA imbalance
	Sometimes, there is not enough GABA available for binding to the other nerve cell, causing overactivity in the brain. This occurs when GABA is reabsorbed before it can bind with the second nerve cell.

GABITRIL blocks GABA reabsorption
	GABITRIL is believed to help increase the level of GABA by blocking its reabsorption. This blocking action helps make more GABA available for binding to the other nerve cell, which may allow for normal brain activity.

The precise mechanism by which GABITRIL exerts its effect in humans is unknown.

GABITRIL is approved as add on therapy for the management of partial seizure disorders. In patients not diagnosed with epilepsy, seizures have occurred in patients taking GABITRIL. Please see the Important Safety Update Information.

Always take GABITRIL as prescribed by your doctor. DO NOT abruptly stop taking GABITRIL. If you are having problems, talk to your doctor before stopping any medications.

If you forget to take GABITRIL at your scheduled time, just take it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. DO NOT take a double dose of GABITRIL and you should not attempt to make up for a missed dose by increasing the next dose.

Please call your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about treatment with GABITRIL.

Yes, GABITRIL should be taken with food (after a meal or snack). This may help prevent some side effects from GABITRIL and make it easier for you to take. Most importantly, always take GABITRIL as prescribed by your doctor.

Most prescription medicines, including GABITRIL, can cause side effects. With GABITRIL, in clinical studies, side effects were usually mild to moderate in intensity. The most common side effects experienced were dizziness, lack of energy (asthenia), drowsiness, nausea, nervousness, tremor, abdominal pain, or difficulty concentrating. Call your doctor if you experience any problems. When you start taking GABITRIL, you should not operate a car or complex machinery until you know how it affects your performance.

ALWAYS keep your pharmacy bottle that contains GABITRIL in a safe place, tightly closed, and out of the reach of children. You should store your GABITRIL at room temperature around 68-77°F. Do not put it in the refrigerator or leave it in a hot car. Keep it away from direct light and moisture. Do not put your GABITRIL in your bathroom medicine cabinet if it has the potential to get damp or wet.

If you suspect that you or someone else may have taken more than the prescribed dose of GABITRIL, contact your local poison control center or urgent care facility/hospital emergency room immediately. Do not share your GABITRIL with other people or use it for anything other than what your doctor has prescribed.

The potential for GABITRIL to be habit forming has not been evaluated in studies with humans. GABITRIL has been prescribed since 1997. In clinical trials, there have been no reports that GABITRIL is habit forming. Additionally, GABITRIL is not classified as a scheduled drug, which means there are no special requirements or restrictions for its use.

In clinical trials, GABITRIL has been safely administered with many commonly used medications and has a low potential for drug interactions. But, it is important to talk to your doctor about any medications you are currently taking to be sure that there are no possible concerns with adding GABITRIL.

You should notify your doctor of any changes in the medications you are taking.

If you are a woman of childbearing age, be sure to notify your doctor if you become pregnant or intend to become pregnant while taking GABITRIL. Also, be sure to talk to your doctor if you are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed your baby. GABITRIL should be used in women who are pregnant or nursing only if the benefits clearly outweigh the risks.