Tiagabine
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Drug Status
Government Approvals
US(FDA), UK(BNF)
WHO Essential Medicine
NO
Known Teratogen
NO
Pharmaceutical Class
Anti-epileptic Agent
Controlled Drug Substance
NO
Tiagabine
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Click HereSummary
Tiagabine is primarily used as an additional treatment for partial seizures in adults and children over 12 years old who have epilepsy.
Tiagabine works by increasing the availability of gammaaminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. This helps to prevent seizure activity.
The usual maintenance dose of Tiagabine is 30-45 mg per day for those taking enzyme-inducing drugs, and 15-30 mg per day for those not taking enzyme-inducing drugs. It's taken orally, usually alongside other antiepileptic medications.
Common side effects of Tiagabine include dizziness, drowsiness, lack of energy, nausea, and difficulty concentrating. Serious adverse effects can include seizures in non-epileptic patients, suicidal thoughts, and severe rash.
Tiagabine may cause seizures in people without epilepsy and increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior. It should not be used in patients with hypersensitivity to the drug or its ingredients. It should not be stopped abruptly and caution is advised in patients with liver impairment.
Indications and Purpose
What is Tiagabine used for?
Tiagabine is indicated for the treatment of partial seizures in patients with epilepsy. It is used as an adjunctive therapy, meaning it is prescribed alongside other antiepileptic medications to help control seizure activity. Tiagabine is suitable for use in adults and children aged 12 years and older.
How does Tiagabine work?
Tiagabine works by inhibiting the reuptake of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter, in the brain. This action increases the availability of GABA, enhancing its inhibitory effects on neural activity, which helps to prevent the propagation of seizures. By modulating GABA levels, Tiagabine helps to stabilize electrical activity in the brain.
Is Tiagabine effective?
Tiagabine has been shown to be effective as an adjunctive therapy for partial seizures in several clinical trials. In these studies, patients taking Tiagabine experienced a significant reduction in seizure frequency compared to those taking a placebo. The effectiveness of Tiagabine is supported by its ability to increase the availability of GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter, in the brain.
How does one know if Tiagabine is working?
The benefit of Tiagabine is evaluated by monitoring the reduction in seizure frequency and severity in patients with partial seizures. Regular follow-up appointments with a healthcare provider are essential to assess the effectiveness of the medication and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.
Directions for Use
What is the usual dose of Tiagabine?
For adults and children over 12 years, the usual maintenance dose of Tiagabine is 30-45 mg per day for those taking enzyme-inducing drugs. For those not taking enzyme-inducing drugs, the maintenance dose is typically 15-30 mg per day. The initial daily dose is 5-10 mg, followed by weekly increments of 5-10 mg per day. Tiagabine should not be used in children under 12 years of age.
How do I take Tiagabine?
Tiagabine should be taken orally with food to enhance absorption. There are no specific food restrictions while taking Tiagabine, but it is important to follow your healthcare provider's instructions regarding diet and medication use. Consistency in taking the medication with meals can help maintain stable blood levels.
For how long do I take Tiagabine?
Tiagabine is typically used as a long-term treatment for partial seizures in epilepsy. The duration of use depends on the individual's response to the medication and the guidance of a healthcare provider. It is important not to stop taking Tiagabine suddenly without consulting a doctor, as this can cause seizures to worsen.
How long does it take for Tiagabine to start working?
Tiagabine is absorbed rapidly, with peak plasma concentrations occurring approximately 45 minutes after an oral dose. However, the full therapeutic effect may take several weeks to become apparent as the dose is gradually increased to the maintenance level. It is important to follow the prescribed dosing schedule and consult your healthcare provider if you have concerns about the medication's effectiveness.
How should I store Tiagabine?
Tiagabine should be stored at room temperature, between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C). It should be kept in its original container, away from light and moisture, and out of reach of children. Proper storage ensures the medication remains effective and safe to use.
Warnings and Precautions
Who should avoid taking Tiagabine?
Tiagabine may cause seizures in people without epilepsy and can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior. It is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to the drug or its ingredients. Patients should be monitored for changes in mood or behavior, and the medication should not be stopped abruptly. Caution is advised in patients with liver impairment, and dose adjustments may be necessary.
Can I take Tiagabine with other prescription drugs?
Tiagabine's effectiveness can be affected by drugs that induce hepatic enzymes, such as carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, and primidone, which can increase its metabolism and reduce its plasma levels. Patients should inform their healthcare provider of all medications they are taking to avoid potential interactions and ensure optimal dosing of Tiagabine.
Can I take Tiagabine with vitamins or supplements?
From all available and reliable information, there is no confirmed data on this. Please consult a doctor for personalized advice.
Can Tiagabine be taken safely while pregnant?
Tiagabine should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed, as there is limited information on its safety in pregnant women. Animal studies have shown adverse effects on fetal development at high doses. Pregnant women taking Tiagabine are encouraged to enroll in the North American Antiepileptic Drug Pregnancy Registry to help gather more information on its safety during pregnancy.
Can Tiagabine be taken safely while breastfeeding?
Tiagabine is excreted in the milk of animals, but it is unknown if it passes into human breast milk. Due to the potential for adverse effects on the nursing infant, Tiagabine should be used in breastfeeding women only if the benefits outweigh the risks. It is important to discuss with a healthcare provider before using Tiagabine while breastfeeding.
Is Tiagabine safe for the elderly?
There is limited information on the use of Tiagabine in elderly patients. However, since the pharmacokinetics of Tiagabine are unchanged in this population, no specific dose modification is necessary. It is important for elderly patients to be monitored closely for side effects, as they may be more sensitive to the medication.
Is it safe to exercise while taking Tiagabine?
Tiagabine may cause dizziness, drowsiness, and lack of energy, which could affect your ability to exercise safely. It is important to understand how Tiagabine affects you personally before engaging in physical activities. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice on exercising while taking this medication.
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Tiagabine?
Drinking alcohol while taking Tiagabine can increase drowsiness and dizziness, which are side effects of the medication. It is advised to avoid alcohol or discuss with your healthcare provider before consuming it, as it may affect your ability to perform tasks that require alertness, such as driving.
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