Various drugs have been used with varying degrees of success in different types of congenital and acquired nystagmus.

The most effective seems to be Gabapentin (usually used for epilepsy). Discount pharmacies sell this for about $35 a box.

Use 300 mgm tablets. Begin with one, three times a day.

After 2-3 days, increase to two, three times a day (total of 6 a day)

After 2-3 days, increase to three, three times a day (total of 9 a day)

After 2-3 days, increase to four, three times a day (total of 12 a day).

STOP at any stage if:

1. It is clear that the nystagmus is better (vision is clearer and less wobble in the environment). If you are not sure if the tablet is helping, come in quickly to have your vision tested.

2. You get any side effects (the commonest is tiredness).

If this drug works and you cannot afford it, we try and refer you to a public hospital to get it.

If this drug doesn't work, we try Memantine (Ebixa - usually used for Alzheimer's). These cost about $3.60 a tablet.

Start with one 10 mgm tablet a day for a week.

After 1 week, increase to 1 tablet in the morning and 1 tablet at night.

After 1 week, increase to 2 tablets in the morning and 1 tablet at night.

After 1 week, increase to 2 tablets in the morning and 2 tablets at night.

STOP at any stage if:

1. It is clear that the nystagmus is better (vision is clearer and less wobble in the environment). If you are not sure if the tablet is helping, come in quickly to have your vision tested.

2. You get any side effects (the commonest is tiredness).

If this drug works and you cannot afford it, we try and refer you to a public hospital to get it.

IF YOU ARE ALREADY TAKING OTHER TABLETS, OR IF YOU HAVE ANY KNOWN NEUROLOGICAL DISEASE PLEASE CHECK WITH YOUR G.P. OR PHARMACIST BEFORE STARTING THIS TREATMENT.