Patient/caregiver was educated on the side-effects of using Tiagabine as follows:
Central nervous system side-effects
- Tiagabine use can result in episodes of confusion, hallucinations, dizziness, and light-headedness. Closely watching for the therapeutic response and developing side-effects allows appropriate changes in the dose of tiagabine, to help optimum control of your symptoms and can also contribute to controlling/reducing the risk for drowsiness and dizziness due to the medication. If the dizziness becomes bothersome, report it to your physician and other health care personnel, for any change in plan of care to be considered. Stay away from activities, such as, driving and operating heavy machinery, until you are used to the side effects caused by tiagabine intake.
- Individuals taking tiagabine can present with restlessness and compromised sleep Tiagabine use can also result in inattention, trouble concentrating, and increased forgetfulness, thus affecting the learning process.
- Tiagabine use, especially in individuals with history of anxiety and bipolar disorder, carries risk of deterioration of mood disorders and worsening of clinical symptoms of mood disorders. Individuals can present with complaints such as, feeling low, anxiety, increased nervousness, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, gross appetite changes, impulsiveness, agitation, aggression, and suicidal thoughts.
Teratogenic side-effects
- Tiagabine use in expectant mothers could harm the unborn baby and result in birth defects. Discuss with your physician regarding your pregnancy and possible risk with tiagabine use, if you are being newly started on tiagabine. Tiagabine use could be avoided during pregnancy and in women planning to get pregnant. Women in the child bearing age group, taking tiagabine on a regular basis, must employ effective contraceptive measures in order to avoid getting pregnant.
