Sabril (Vigabatrin)

What is Sabril?

Sabril is an anticonvulsant (anti-epileptic medicine).

What is Sabril used for?

Sabril is indicated for the treatment of partial seizure disorders in adults and children aged 16 and above. The medicine reduces the number of seizures in people who have tried other treatments but have not been able to control their seizures.

How does Sabril work?

Sabril works by stopping the breakdown of GABA (a natural calming substance) in the brain.

How to use Sabril

Sabril should be taken in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Taking it for longer periods or in larger amounts than recommended can cause health problems.

The medicine is usually taken twice daily. It can be taken with or without food.

If you are giving Sabril to a child in a powder form, give it with water. Empty the powder pack into a cup and add 2 teaspoons of water. Do not mix the water and powder, until you are ready to administer the dose. Stir it and let the powder dissolve completely and give it to the child right away.

Remember to take the medicine at the same time each day.

Sabril warnings and precautions

Before using Sabril, tell your doctor if you are allergic to vigabatrin or if you have kidney disease, vision problems like glaucoma or retinitis.

Avoid performing activities that require alertness (e.g. driving) as the drug may impair your thinking or reactions.

Pregnant women should not use Sabril without consulting their doctors. If you plan to become pregnant, tell your doctor in advance. The drug can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Thus, lactating women should not use the drug unless prescribed by the doctor.

What do I do if I have missed a Sabril dose?

If you have missed your Sabril dose, you can take the missed dose as soon as you remember but do not take it if it is time for your next (scheduled) dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Sabril overdose?

If you have taken a Sabril overdose, you should seek emergency medical attention.

Sabril interactions

Before taking Sabril, consult your doctor if you take hydroxychloroquine, phenytoin, clonazepam, thioridazine (Mellaril), aspirin or other non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as diclofenac, naproxen, etodolac, meloxicam, piroxicam, indomethacin, ibuprofen, etc; or steroids like prednisone.

There may be other drugs as well that might interact with Sabril and may result in increased side effects. Therefore, it is better to tell your doctor about all prescription and non prescription drugs that you use including mineral and vitamin supplements, well in advance. Also, do not start taking any new medicine without consulting your doctor.

Sabril side effects

Sabril side effects include hives, changes in mood or behaviour, confusion, bruising, pale skin, worsening seizures, depression, suicidal thoughts, thought about hurting oneself, uncontrollable back and forth eye movements, vision changes (even mild vision changes), problems with breathing; swelling of face, tongue, lips or throat; and other allergic reactions. If you get any of these side effects after using Sabril, contact your doctor right away.

Headache, sore throat, cough, stuffy or runny nose, fever, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, problems with memory, weight gain, insomnia (sleep problems/ lack of sleep), pain in joints, loss of coordination, feeling extremely tired and weak, numbness or tingling in fingers and toes, drowsiness and dizziness are some less serious side effects of Sabril.