Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Gabitril as follows:
- Gabitril can take some time to fairly adjust to your body, before any therapeutic relief is experienced. Gabitril only prevents the seizures from happening and controls the neuropathy, by reducing the rapid firing of the nerves. Gabitril does not fix the actual condition causing the seizures or the neuropathy. Continue taking Gabitril as ordered, even after you experience relief from the symptoms. Do not discontinue taking the medication without your physician’s consultation. Discontinuing abruptly on Gabitril intake or significant reduction of Gabitril dose, after prolonged use, can result in exacerbation of anxiety, relapse and rebound of the panic episodes, precipitation of uncontrolled seizure episodes, exacerbation of nerve pain, muscle spasms, insomnia, worsening of mood, and behavior changes. Discontinuing the medication should be only upon your physician’s recommendation.
- Gabitril use, especially in individuals with history of mood disorders, can result in worsening of anxiety and depressive symptoms, changes in behavior, trouble sleeping, gross appetite changes, impulsiveness, agitation, irritability, and suicidal thoughts. Closely watching for the therapeutic response and developing side-effects, with timely reporting the findings to the physician, can allow appropriate changes in the dose of Gabitril and plan of care. This can help with better management of your condition and avoid risk for worsening of behavioral and mood disorders.
- If you miss a dose, try taking it at the earliest notice of noncompliance. If it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the dose scheduled. Do not take an extra dose to try making up for the missed dose. Notify your doctor and other health care personnel regarding your dose noncompliance.
