Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Gabitril as follows:
- Gabitril use can result in episodes of confusion, hallucinations, dizziness, light-headedness, and sleep. Do not take Gabitril with alcohol or opioid pain medications, such as, hydrocodone and codeine, as these products can add to the dizziness and confusion caused by Gabitril, and contribute to falls and accidents. A number of OTC cough medications and antihistamines, muscle relaxant medications, and antianxiety medications, can potentiate the confusion caused by Gabitril and so, must be avoided taking along with Gabitril. 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 Gabitril intake.
- Gabitril can interact with a number of other medications and can precipitate serious reactions. Alcohol and a number of medications, such as, anti-GERD agents, antibacterial antibiotics, antifungal antibiotics, and anticonvulsants, by influencing the induction or inhibition of liver enzymes, can significantly impact the metabolism of Gabitril, thus influencing the active levels of Gabitril in the blood, side-effects, development of toxicity, and therapeutic benefit derived. If you are being newly started on Gabitril, discuss with your physician regarding all other medications you are currently taking and their safety with Gabitril. Also, if you have been taking Gabitril for long, discuss with your physician regarding your history of Gabitril intake, when you are being started on any new medication.
