Gabitril (GAB-ih-tril) is the brand name for the seizure medicine tiagabine (tie-AG-ah-bean) hydrochloride (HI-droh-KLOR-ide), or just tiagabine. Gabitril is available in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, but not in Canada.

Forms
Gabitril is marketed in the United States by Cephalon, Inc. The name or appearance may differ in other countries. The dose (measured in milligrams, abbreviated "mg") will usually be the same. These descriptions apply to the U.S. versions:

Tablets

	2-mg (orange-peach color, round) Tablet with "C" logo on one side and "402" on the other
	4-mg (yellow, round) Tablet with "C" logo on one side and "404" on the other
	12-mg (green, ovaloid) Tablet with "C" logo on one side and "412" on the other
	16-mg (blue, ovaloid) Tablet with "C" logo on one side and "416" on the other

Gabitril is not available in generic (non–brand name) form in the United States.

How to take and store Gabitril
Follow your doctor's directions. Call if you have any questions. Usually, your doctor will tell you to start by taking one tablet – either 2 or 4 milligrams – two times each day. After a while, the doctor may gradually increase the dosage to get better control of your seizures. Because Gabitril (tiagabine) is generally taken up to four times a day, many people help themselves to remember by taking it with meals and at bedtime. It should be taken with food. Ask the doctor what to do if you forget to take a dose.

Be careful if the doctor writes a new prescription using a different kind of pill. For example, if you've been using 4-mg tablets and the new prescription is for 12-mg tablets, be careful to use the correct number. Don't automatically continue to use the same number of pills as before. Make sure you know what size tablet has been prescribed.

All forms of Gabitril should be stored at room temperature, away from light and humidity. (Don't keep the pills in the bathroom if it's damp there.) Of course, keep all Gabitril out of the reach of children.

Don't take more than the doctor prescribes. Be sure to use only the amount of Gabitril that your doctor prescribes. If you think you've taken one or two extra tablets, call your doctor for advice. For a larger overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency room right away, unless you have special directions from the doctor.

Don't stop taking Gabitril or change the amount you take without talking to your doctor first. Stopping any seizure medicine all at once can cause serious problems.

What if I forget?
If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, delay that dose for a few hours instead of taking two doses very close together. Then go back to the regular schedule. If you're not sure about what to do, call the doctor's office for more advice.

Do your best to follow the doctor's directions. If you forget doses often, it may be a good idea to get a special pillbox or watch with an alarm to remind you.

Taking the right amount of seizure medicine on time every single day is the most important step in preventing seizures!