Sabril 500mg Strip Of 10 Tablets

Sabril tablet is an anti-epileptic medicine, containing vigabatrin used for the treatment of fits. Sabril is used to treat refractory complex partial seizure and infantile spasms in adults and infants respectively. Refractory complex partial seizure is a type of fit that affects a specific region of the brain and may be associated with altered consciousness.

Infantile spasm is a type of seizure disorder in babies affecting the muscles and growth. This medicine is used along with other medicine to treat fits. Take this medicine as advised by your doctor at the prescribed dose and duration.

Do not abruptly stop taking this medicine as it may worsen your condition. You should undergo regular vision tests during and after completing the treatment, as this medicine may result in vision loss.

Dosage

Overdose

• Overdose of Sabril tablet may result in drowsiness, sleepiness, loss of consciousness or coma. Other less commonly observed symptoms are vertigo, difficulty in breathing, headache, confusion, decreased heart rate, irritation, headache, speech disorder, etc.
• If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, contact your doctor immediately or visit the nearest hospital.

Missed a Dose

If you missed any dose of medicine, take it as soon as you remember. If it's time for your next dose, then skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dose schedule. Do not take a double dose of medicine to compensate for the missed one.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

• Nerve cells pass information to each other through electrical signals and chemicals called neurotransmitters. Epilepsy happens when there is an abnormal activity among the neurotransmitters.
• Vigabatrin increases the amount of neurotransmitter called GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) by inhibiting its breakdown in the brain, responsible for inhibitory action in the body. It acts by reducing the neural excitation thereby aiding in controlling and managing the seizure.

Directions for Use

• Take this medicine as a whole with sufficient water.
• Take it at the same time each day.
• Do not stop taking Sabril tablet without consulting your doctor.

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Can I take Sabril tablet during pregnancy?

Sabril tablets may cause harm to the unborn baby. Your doctor may prescribe you this medicine if the benefits of the medicine overweigh the risk to the foetus and after assessing the need. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant, think you may or pregnant or are planning a pregnancy.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Sabril tablet while breastfeeding?

• A component of Sabril passes into the breastmilk and may cause harm to your baby. It is recommended to avoid breastfeeding while on this medicine. However, if you plan to breastfeed while on this medicine, monitor your baby for signs of vision loss, sleepiness or sucking disorder.

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed Sabril tablet?

You may experience sleepiness, drowsiness, blurred vision after taking this medicine. You are advised to avoid driving while you are on this medicine.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Sabril tablet?

Alcohol can increase the side effect of Sabril 500 tablet such as dizziness, drowsiness, difficulty in concentrating, etc. Talk to your doctor if you consume it often.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

• If you experience vision loss or any kind of visual disturbance, a regular vision assessment test is recommended while on this medicine.
• You have an existing visual defect.
• You or your child experiences abnormal MRI findings.
• You experience any psychological effects such as suicidal thoughts, low mood, irritation, agitated behaviour, etc.
• You have a kidney disorder.
• You notice swelling in the brain after initiating the treatment with this medicine.
• You are an elderly person aged above 60 years.
• You experience any undesired effects after taking this medicine. Do not stop taking this medicine abruptly.
• You are pregnant, planning pregnancy or a nursing mother.

Contraindications

If you are allergic to vigabatrin or any other ingredient of this medicine.

Side effects

• Visual disturbance
• Fatigue
• Sleepiness
• Joint ache
• Anaemia
• Nausea
• Stomach discomfort
• Speech disorder
• Weight gain
• Hair loss

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

• Some medicines can affect the way Sabril tablet works or this medicine itself can reduce the effectiveness of other medicines taken at the same time.
• Tell your doctor about all the medicines, supplements or herbals you are currently taking or might take to avoid any possible interaction.
• Medicines used to treat brain-related disorders such as phenytoin, clonazepam, etc.
• This medicine may alter the result of liver enzymes test and amino acids level in urine, thus inform your doctor if you are on this medicine and have a planned lab test.

Storage and disposal

• Store Sabril tablet in a cool and dry place, protected from direct sunlight, moisture and heat.
• Keep it away from children and pets.
• Discard any unused medicine properly. Do not flush in the toilet or throw it into the drain.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Sabril a controlled substance?

No, Sabril tablet is not a controlled substance. It is an anti-epileptic medicine used to treat fits.

Can I stop taking this medicine on my own if I start feeling better?

No, you should never stop taking this medicine on your own, as it may worsen and increase your seizure frequency. Your doctor will gradually decrease the dose of this medicine.

Can Sabril tablet cause weight gain?

Yes, Sabril 500mg tablet may cause weight gain, particularly in children. Weight gain is a common side effect of this medicine. However, not everyone experiences it. Talk to your doctor for more information.