Patient/caregiver was educated on the side-effects of using Gablofen as follows:
Gastrointestinal side-effects
- This medication can induce some nausea and vomiting, especially when taken on empty stomach. Taking the medication with a glass of water and some food or snack can help avoid these unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Gablofen can also induce extreme dry mouth and constipation. Sucking on a sugar free hard candy can help with symptomatic relief of dry mouth. Proper hydration measures and compliance with daily fluid intake recommendations can help with relief from constipation. If you experience any further bothersome constipation, report it to your physician for a recommendation on laxative/stool softener use. Observing compliance with fiber intake recommendations in the diet can also help with preventing episodes of constipation with the medication.
Cardiovascular side-effects
- Gablofen, especially when taken in high doses, carries the risk of depressing the cardiovascular center in the brain, which regulates the heart rate and blood pressure. Consequently, intake of gablofen can result in low heart rate and blood pressure.
- This risk with gablofen can be even high when it is taken along with any other products and medications causing hypotension and bradycardia, such as, antihypertensives, antidepressants, antianxiety medications, and sedatives.
- Hypotension and bradycardia, secondary to gablofen intake, can contribute to the confusion and dizziness, thus significantly increasing the risk for fall and accidents
