Pronunciation: tye-AG-a-been
Generic Name: Tiagabine
Brand Name: Gabitril
Tiagabine is used for:
Treating partial seizures in certain patients. It is used in combination with other medicines.
Tiagabine is an anticonvulsant. Exactly how it works is not known. It is thought to work by decreasing nerve impulses in the nervous system, which helps to reduce seizures.
Do NOT use Tiagabine if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Tiagabine
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Tiagabine:
Some medical conditions may interact with Tiagabine. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- if you have a history of liver problems or status epilepticus (continuous seizure activity or a series of seizures without a full return to consciousness)
- if you have a history of mental or mood problems (eg, depression), or suicidal thoughts or actions
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Tiagabine. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
- Medicines that may increase your risk of seizures (eg, antidepressants, antipsychotics, stimulants, narcotic pain medicines) because the risk of seizures may be increased. Ask your doctor if you are unsure if any of your medicines may increase your risk of seizures
- Carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, or primidone because they may decrease Tiagabine's effectiveness
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Tiagabine may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Tiagabine:
Use Tiagabine as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- Tiagabine comes with an extra patient information sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it carefully. Read it again each time you get Tiagabine refilled.
- Take Tiagabine by mouth with food.
- Do not suddenly stop taking Tiagabine. Suddenly stopping Tiagabine may cause seizures to occur more often. If you need to stop Tiagabine or add a new medicine, your doctor will gradually lower your dose.
- If you miss a dose of Tiagabine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once. If you miss more than 1 dose of Tiagabine, contact your doctor.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Tiagabine.
Important safety information:
- Tiagabine may cause drowsiness or dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Tiagabine with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
- Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Tiagabine; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.
- If you develop new or worsening seizures, contact your doctor right away.
- Patients who take Tiagabine may be at increased risk for suicidal thoughts or actions. The risk may be greater in patients who have had suicidal thoughts or actions in the past. Watch patients who take Tiagabine closely. Contact the doctor at once if new, worsened, or sudden symptoms such as depressed mood; anxious, restless, or irritable behavior; panic attacks; or any unusual change in mood or behavior occur. Contact the doctor right away if any signs of suicidal thoughts or actions occur.
- Carry an ID card at all times that lists your condition and the medicines you are taking.
- Tiagabine should not be used in CHILDREN younger than 12 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
- PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Tiagabine may cause harm to the fetus if you take it while you are pregnant. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor right away. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Tiagabine while you are pregnant. It is not known if Tiagabine is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Tiagabine, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.
Possible side effects of Tiagabine:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Abnormal skin sensations; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; increased appetite; irritability; lack of energy; lightheadedness; nausea; nervousness; shakiness; sore throat; stomach pain; trouble sleeping; vomiting; weakness.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); abnormal thinking; abnormal walking; blurred vision or other vision problems; burning, tingling, or numbness sensation; chest pain; confusion; difficulty with concentration or attention; fainting; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; jerky eye movements; loss of coordination; memory problems; new or worsening mental or mood changes (eg, agitation, depression, hostility, mood swings); new or worsening seizures; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; severe or persistent drowsiness, tiredness, headache, or dizziness; severe weakness; shortness of breath; speech or language problems; suicidal thoughts or actions; swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet; tremor; urination problems or difficult or painful urination.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.
See also: Tiagabine side effects (in more detail)
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include agitation; confusion; depression; hostility; impaired consciousness; muscle contraction; new or worsening seizures; sleepiness; speech difficulty; weakness.
Proper storage of Tiagabine:
Store Tiagabine at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Tiagabine out of the reach of children and away from pets.
General information:
- If you have any questions about Tiagabine, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- Tiagabine is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
- If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
- Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.
This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Tiagabine. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
More Tiagabine resources
- Tiagabine Side Effects (in more detail)
- Tiagabine Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Tiagabine Drug Interactions
- Tiagabine Support Group
- 1 Review for Tiagabine - Add your own review/rating
- Gabitril Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Gabitril Monograph (AHFS DI)
- tiagabine Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information
- tiagabine Concise Consumer Information (Cerner Multum)
Compare Tiagabine with other medications
- Seizures
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