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Overview: Vigabatrin is used to treat certain types of seizures. It may work by blocking certain signals that come from nerves and cause seizures. Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, and weight gain. Serious side effects can include permanent vision loss, nerve problems, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Uses

What is vigabatrin used for?

Vigabatrin is commonly used to treat certain types of seizures.

Vigabatrin may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does vigabatrin work (mechanism of action)?

The exact way that vigabatrin works for seizures is unknown. Vigabatrin may block certain signals from nerves. Seizures are caused by electrical activity in the brain that is not normal. Vigabatrin may interfere with the abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

How is vigabatrin supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Sabril
  • Vigadrone
  • Vigpoder

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 500 mg oral tablets
  • 500 mg/packet for oral solution

How should I store vigabatrin?

Vigabatrin should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of vigabatrin?

The most common side effects of vigabatrin are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the condition that is being treated. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Blurred vision
  • Drowsiness or tiredness
  • Dizziness
  • Poor coordination
  • Tremors
  • Weight gain (see below)
  • Bronchitis
  • Ear infection

There may be other side effects of vigabatrin that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of vigabatrin?

While less common, the most serious side effects of vigabatrin are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Vigabatrin may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking vigabatrin and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Vision Loss. Vigabatrin may cause you to lose your vision permanently, which means if you lose your vision, it will not come back. Keep any scheduled eye exams before starting or while taking vigabatrin, even if your vision seems fine. Vision tests cannot prevent the vision damage that can happen with vigabatrin. Talk to your health care provider about the risks of vision loss with vigabatrin. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Blurred vision
  • Worsening vision
  • Difficulty seeing to the side when you look straight ahead (peripheral vision)
  • Only being able to see straight ahead and not to your sides (“tunnel vision”)
  • Tripping, bumping into things, or are more clumsy than usual

Suicidal Thoughts and Actions. Vigabatrin may cause suicidal thoughts or actions in a small number of people. If you are about to harm yourself, call 911 or call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • New or increased thoughts of suicide or death
  • Suicide attempt
  • New or increased feelings of anxiety, depression, or other unusual changes in mood or behavior
  • Increased activity or talking (mania)
  • Panic attacks
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Feeling agitated, restless, or irritable
  • Acting aggressively, angry, or violent
  • Acting on dangerous impulses

Withdrawal Reactions. If you stop vigabatrin suddenly, it could lead to certain seizures that will not stop (status epilepticus), which may be life-threatening. Do not stop taking vigabatrin without talking with your health care provider. Your health care provider can tell you how to stop vigabatrin to reduce the risk of withdrawal reactions. Call your health care provider right away or go to the nearest emergency room if you have seizures.

Anemia. Vigabatrin may cause anemia, which is when you have low levels of red blood cells. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms of anemia.

  • Unusual weakness or tiredness
  • Cold hands and feet
  • Fast or abnormal heartbeat
  • Pale or yellowish skin 
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are about to pass out
  • Shortness of breath

Decreased Alertness or Coordination. Vigabatrin can affect your alertness or coordination. It can also cause drowsiness or tiredness. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how vigabatrin affects you.

Nerve Problems. Nerves are the fibers that carry sensations from your body to the brain. Damage to these nerves, called peripheral neuropathy, can happen in people who are taking vigabatrin. Call your health care provider if you develop pain, burning, tingling, numbness, or weakness in your arms, hands, legs, or feet.

Weight Gain. Vigabatrin can cause you to gain weight that happens without swelling. Tell your health care provider if you gain weight while taking vigabatrin.

Fluid Retention (Edema). Vigabatrin can cause fluid retention, also called edema. Fluid retention can cause serious issues in people with certain conditions, such as heart failure or kidney problems. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms. 

  • Chest pain
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Shortness of breath
  • Stretched or shiny skin
  • Swollen body parts, such as the belly or ankles

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use vigabatrin?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take vigabatrin.

  • SabrilVigabatrin
  • Vigabatrin
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific vigabatrin products they stock.

What should I know about vigabatrin before using it?

Do not take vigabatrin unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share vigabatrin with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep vigabatrin out of the reach of children.

There are multiple forms of vigabatrin available. Read and follow the instructions for the product you have and make sure you understand how to use it properly. If you have any questions, talk to your health care provider.

Vigabatrin is only available through a special program, from certain pharmacies, and to certain people. It is important that you keep all of your appointments, including vision testing, while taking vigabatrin. If you have any questions about this program you can go to www.vigabatrinREMS.com, or call 866-244-8175.

Vigabatrin may cause brain changes that are seen by a certain type of brain scan called magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It is not known if these brain changes are harmful. Talk to your health care provider if you have an MRI while taking vigabatrin.

People who are 65 or older can be at greater risk of some side effects from vigabatrin. Talk to your health care provider about your risks if you are in this age group.

What should I tell my health care provider before using vigabatrin?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if vigabatrin is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Vision problems
  • Kidney problems
  • Low levels of red blood cells (anemia)
  • A nervous or mental health condition, such as depression, mood problems, thoughts of suicide, or attempts at suicide

Other Medicines and Supplements. Vigabatrin may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking vigabatrin, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. Vigabatrin may cause harm to a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take vigabatrin while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking vigabatrin, you can sign up for the North American Antiepileptic Drug Pregnancy Registry by calling 888-233-2334 or at www.aedpregnancyregistry.org. This registry collects safety information about the use of antiepileptic medicines during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding. Do not take vigabatrin while you are breastfeeding. Vigabatrin can pass into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does vigabatrin interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between vigabatrin and foods or drinks.

The risk of drowsiness or dizziness may increase if you drink alcohol while taking vigabatrin.

Does vigabatrin interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking vigabatrin.

  • Phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek, and others), which is a medicine used to control seizures
  • Clonazepam (Klonopin), which is a medicine used for anxiety, muscle spasms, or seizures

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with vigabatrin. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much vigabatrin?

If you or someone else has used too much vigabatrin, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of vigabatrin?

Before you start taking vigabatrin, talk to your health care provider about what to do if you miss a dose. If you miss a dose, call your health care provider.