6 mins read

Overview: Tiagabine is used to treat certain types of seizures. It may work by blocking certain signals that come from nerves and cause seizures. Common side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, or difficulty paying attention.

Uses

What is tiagabine used for?

Tiagabine is commonly used to treat certain types of seizures in people with epilepsy.

Tiagabine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does tiagabine work (mechanism of action)?

The exact way that tiagabine works for seizures is unknown. Tiagabine may block certain signals from nerves. Seizures are caused by electrical activity in the brain that is not normal. Tiagabine may interfere with the abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

How is tiagabine supplied (dosage forms)?

Tiagabine is available as Gabitril and generic tiagabine in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.

  • 2 mg oral tablets
  • 4 mg oral tablets
  • 12 mg oral tablets
  • 16 mg oral tablets

How should I store tiagabine?

Tiagabine should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place and protect from light.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of tiagabine?

The most common side effects of tiagabine are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the condition that is being treated. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness or lack of energy
  • Nausea
  • Stomach pain
  • Nervousness
  • Tremor
  • Abnormal thinking
  • Difficulty concentrating or paying attention

There may be other side effects of tiagabine that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of tiagabine?

While less common, the most serious side effects of tiagabine are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Tiagabine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using tiagabine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Suicidal Thoughts and Actions. Tiagabine may cause suicidal thoughts or actions in a small number of people. If you are about to harm yourself, call 911 or call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • New or increased thoughts of suicide or death
  • Suicide attempt
  • New or increased feelings of anxiety, depression, or other unusual changes in mood or behavior

Withdrawal Reactions. If you stop tiagabine suddenly, it could lead to certain seizures that will not stop (status epilepticus), which may be life-threatening. Do not stop taking tiagabine without talking with your health care provider. Your health care provider can tell you how to stop tiagabine to reduce the risk of withdrawal reactions. Call your health care provider right away or go to the nearest emergency room if you have seizures.

Central Nervous System (CNS) Depression. Tiagabine may slow down your central nervous system (CNS), which controls many vital functions throughout the body. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of CNS depression.

  • Confusion
  • Excessive sleepiness or trouble staying awake
  • Memory problems
  • Difficulty thinking or paying attention
  • Slow or shallow breathing
  • Slowed response or reaction time
  • Slurred speech
  • Weakness all over your body

Decreased Alertness or Coordination. Tiagabine can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how tiagabine affects you.

Vision Loss. Tiagabine may cause you to have eye or vision problems. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Blurred vision
  • Worsening vision

Serious Rash. Tiagabine may cause a serious skin rash. If you develop a rash, stop tiagabine and call your health care provider.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use tiagabine?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use tiagabine.

  • GabitrilTiagabine
  • Tiagabine
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

What should I know about tiagabine before using it?

Do not take tiagabine unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share tiagabine with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep tiagabine out of the reach of children.

Tiagabine should be taken with food.

Tiagabine can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how tiagabine affects you.

Do not stop taking tiagabine without talking to your health care provider. Stopping tiagabine suddenly can cause seizures that will not stop (status epilepticus). If you need to stop taking tiagabine, your health care provider will give you instructions on how to stop the medicine.

What should I tell my health care provider before using tiagabine?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if tiagabine is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • A mental health condition, such as depression, mood problems, thoughts of suicide, or attempts at suicide
  • Liver problems
  • History of seizures that do not stop (status epilepticus)

Other Medicines and Supplements. Tiagabine may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking tiagabine, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how tiagabine could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take tiagabine while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking tiagabine, you can sign up for the North American Antiepileptic Drug Pregnancy Registry by calling 888-233-2334 or at www.aedpregnancyregistry.org. This registry collects safety information about the use of antiepileptic medicines during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if tiagabine passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take tiagabine while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does tiagabine interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between tiagabine and foods or drinks. Tiagabine should be taken with food.

The risk of sleepiness and dizziness may increase if you drink alcohol while taking tiagabine.

Does tiagabine interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking tiagabine.

  • Any medicine for seizures, such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone, or valproate
  • St. John’s wort, which is a supplement that may be used to treat depression
  • Any other medicine that causes dizziness and sleepiness, such as prescription pain medicines, sleep medicines, or medicines for anxiety

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with tiagabine. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much tiagabine?

If you or someone else has used too much tiagabine, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of tiagabine?

Before you start taking tiagabine, talk to your health care provider about what to do if you miss a dose. If you miss a dose, do not take double or extra doses.