Let's take a minute to talk about your medication.

This is Vigabatrin. You may hear it called by the brand names, Vigadrone or Sabril. It is used to treat complex partial seizures and infantile spasms. It may have other uses, too.

Vigabatrin is available as a tablet and as a powder. You should take it exactly as your doctor tells you to. Make sure to read the instructions for use before you or your child start taking it. It is also important to read the instructions for use each time you refill the medication as some information about the prescription can change. 

Common side effects include feeling weak or tired, problems with your eyes and vision, trouble with memory, and pain in the joints. It can also cause issues with coordination or uncontrolled movements. It may cause weight gain and certain types of infections. You should wait until you know how this medicine affects you before doing activities that require you to be alert, like driving. You should not stop taking this medicine unless your doctor says it is okay.

As with any medicine, serious side effects can occur. With Vigabatrin, that includes a decrease or loss in vision. Your doctor should perform vision tests before you start taking this medicine and during treatment. You should read the Medication Guide to know which symptoms to watch for and when to report changes. Also, thoughts of suicide or worsening mood or behavior could occur, especially in children or young adults. This could be a side effect of this medication. If this occurs, you should notify your doctor right away. To help keep this medicine safe for you, your doctor will follow your condition closely and may order blood tests. 

Vigabatrin can interact with other medicines. You should always check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking other medicines.

Women should check with their doctor before becoming pregnant and before breastfeeding.

For best results with this medication, plan ahead for refills and do not skip doses.