Drug interactions
Orlistat + Vigabatrin
Severity: Minor
Orlistat and Vigabatrin: minor interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Orlistat has been associated with breakthrough seizures in patients taking antiepileptic drugs. Vigabatrin is absorbed through amino acid transport and is not fat dependent, so a real effect is uncertain. Loss of seizure control would be clinically significant, however.
What this interaction means in plain words
Orlistat and Vigabatrin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised.
Orlistat belongs to Miscellaneous; Vigabatrin belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Reduced gastrointestinal absorption of the antiepileptic is proposed but not established, and is unlikely for vigabatrin.
What to do
Monitor seizure frequency when orlistat is started or stopped. Evaluate for seizure worsening and adjust antiepileptic therapy accordingly.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Is there anything I should notice while taking both?
- Do I need to tell my doctor at the next visit?
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Other interactions of Vigabatrin
- Amisulpride + Vigabatrin Moderate
- Asenapine transdermal + Vigabatrin Moderate
- Asenapine + Vigabatrin Moderate
- Avapritinib + Vigabatrin Moderate
- Benzhydrocodone / acetaminophen + Vigabatrin Moderate
- Brexanolone + Vigabatrin Moderate
Other interactions of Orlistat
- Cyclosporine + Orlistat Major
- Cyclosporin + Orlistat Major
- Orlistat + Triheptanoin Major
- Amiodarone + Orlistat Moderate
- Beta carotene + Orlistat Moderate
- Carbamazepine + Orlistat Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Orlistat with Vigabatrin?
MediHelp rates the interaction as minor. Orlistat and Vigabatrin have a small, usually unimportant interaction. Most people can take both; the pharmacist may still mention it so that any unexpected effect is recognised. Orlistat has been associated with breakthrough seizures in patients taking antiepileptic drugs. Vigabatrin is absorbed through amino acid transport and is not fat dependent, so a real effect is uncertain. Loss of seizure control would be clinically significant, however.
How serious is the interaction between Orlistat and Vigabatrin?
MediHelp rates it minor, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor seizure frequency when orlistat is started or stopped. Evaluate for seizure worsening and adjust antiepileptic therapy accordingly.
What other medicines interact with Vigabatrin?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Vigabatrin with, for example, Amisulpride, Asenapine transdermal, Asenapine. The full list is on the Vigabatrin page.
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