VIGABATRIN (SABRIL)

Vigabatrin is an irreversible inhibitor of the enzyme gamma-aminobutyr ic acid (GABA) transaminase (GABA-T) and is marketed in >20 countries, including Canada but not the U.S.A., as an antiepileptic drug, Vigaba trin has demonstrated considerable efficacy against complex partial an d secondarily generalized tonic-clonic seizures in patients refractory to conventional antiepileptic drugs. The most common side effects of vigabatrin are drowsiness, irritability, ataxia, dizziness, and headac he. Behavioral disturbances are a rare and reversible side effect. The drug has no known systemic or irreversible side effects. The time cou rse of action of vigabatrin depends principally upon regeneration of G ABA-T inactivated by the drug.