Drug reference

Tiagabine

Antiepileptic

Also known as Tiagabine hydrochloride monohydrate

Antiepileptic

CDSCO approved

EXCRETION

—

not curated

INTERACTIONS

3 major

SEVERE in our sources

PREGNANCY

—

not curated

Top interactionssee all 4 →

BuprenorphineSevereDatabaseDDInter
DextropropoxypheneSevereDatabaseDDInter
Sodium OxybateSevereDatabaseDDInter

Mechanism

Tiagabine selectively inhibits the GABA transporter GAT-1, which is responsible for reuptake of synaptically released GABA back into neurons and glia. By blocking GAT-1, tiagabine prolongs the presence of GABA in the synaptic cleft, enhancing GABAergic inhibitory neurotransmission. This mechanism is distinct from other GABAergic anticonvulsants: benzodiazepines enhance GABA receptor sensitivity, barbiturates prolong channel opening, and vigabatrin inhibits GABA catabolism — only tiagabine specifically targets GABA reuptake.

Indications

Adjunctive treatment of focal seizures with or without secondary generalisation (considered by tertiary epilepsy specialist if other treatments are ineffective or not tolerated)partial seizures with or without secondary generalization (add-on therapy when not adequately controlled by standard antiepileptic drugs)

Dosing

Hepatic adjustment: Manufacturer advises dose reduction and/or longer dose interval with careful titration in mild to moderate impairment; avoid in severe impairment.

Contraindications

Absence seizures or syndromes
Myoclonic seizures
Severe hepatic impairment

Side effects

Common

Abdominal painbehaviour abnormalconcentration impaireddepressiondiarrhoeadizzinessemotional labilityfatiguegait abnormalinsomnianauseanervousnessspeech disordertremorvision disordersvomitingmild sedationastheniaamnesia

Serious