Tiagabine

Information about Tiagabine

Tiagabine is a unique anticonvulsant used largely as an adjunctive agent in therapy of partial seizures in adults or children. 

Liver safety of Tiagabine

Therapy with tiagabine is not associated with serum aminotransferase elevations, and clinically apparent liver injury from tiagabine has not been reported and must be rare if it occurs at all.

Mechanism of action of Tiagabine

Tiagabine (tye ag' a been) is a selective gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) reuptake inhibitor that increases synactive concentrations of this major neuroinhibitory transmitter, thus decreasing spread of abnormal neuronal impulses that contribute to seizures.  Tiagabine has been shown to be effective both as monotherapy and in combination with other anticonvulsants for partial seizures. 

FDA approval information for Tiagabine

Tiagabine was approved for use in epilepsy in the United States in 1997 and is currently used predominantly as adjunctive therapy with other major anticonvulsants for partial seizures.  Tiagabine is occasionally used off-label to treat anxiety disorders and neuropathic pain. 

Dosage and administration for Tiagabine

Tiagabine is available in tablets of 2, 4, 12 and 16 mg in generic formulations and under the brand name of Gabitril.  The recommended initial dose in adults is 4 mg once daily, increasing by 4 to 8 mg at weekly intervals based upon clinical response, but not exceeding 56 mg daily.  The dose should be increased and tapered gradually. 

Side effects of Tiagabine

The most common side effects of tiagabine are dose related and include dizziness, somnolence, impaired concentration, nervousness, nausea, weakness and tremor.

• Dailymed label info on Tiagabine
• FDA Tiagabine

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  Tiagabine
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  MEG power change induced by tiagabine (15 mg) in 14 healthy volunteers