Jeffrey Panko NP Psychiatry · Patient education
Tiagabine
Gabitril / Generic tablets
A guide for adults taking tiagabine.
Follow the directions on your prescription and your provider's recommendations.
Formulations: Oral tablets are taken with food, with a schedule determined partly by other antiseizure medicines and liver function.
What it is used for
Tiagabine is approved as add-on treatment for focal seizures. Psychiatric uses are off-label and require particular caution: seizures and prolonged seizure activity have occurred in people without epilepsy.
How it works
It inhibits GABA reuptake, increasing inhibitory signaling. Too much or an unsuitable exposure can still produce serious neurologic problems.
What to expect over time
The dose is often increased gradually to balance benefit and side effects. Track the condition being treated and report changes after each adjustment.
Taking your medication
- Follow the starting schedule and take each dose with food.
- Do not combine divided doses at bedtime or increase the dose yourself.
- If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless it is almost time for the next dose. Then skip it. Do not double a dose.
- After several missed doses, contact your provider before restarting. Consult with your provider before stopping.
When to get help
Emergency symptoms. Call 911 for a first seizure, a seizure lasting more than five minutes, repeated seizures without recovery, breathing difficulty, or inability to wake.
Prompt medical advice. Contact your provider promptly for a new rash, severe unsteadiness, unusual confusion, or major changes in mood or behavior.
If you feel unsafe or have thoughts of self-harm, call 911 or go to an emergency department.
Possible side effects
- Dizziness or sleepiness
- Tremor, nausea, or weakness
- Concentration, word-finding, or coordination problems
Keeping track of treatment
Some side effects resolve with time; others may require a change of medication. Discuss persistent or bothersome side effects with your provider.
Report changes in mood, behavior, concentration, or suicidal thoughts. Antiseizure medicines carry a warning about suicidal thoughts and behavior.
Keep follow-up appointments. Your provider may adjust treatment based on symptoms, kidney or liver function, other medicines, and any recommended laboratory tests.
New staring spells, reduced responsiveness, or sudden confusion may represent seizure activity and need urgent assessment.
If you take too much
For a suspected overdose, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 immediately, even if you feel well. Call 911 for a seizure, collapse, trouble breathing, or inability to wake.
Before you start
Discuss kidney or liver disease, previous medication rashes, depression, and the reason for treatment.
Discuss pregnancy, pregnancy plans, and breastfeeding with your provider. Treatment decisions should consider both the medication and the condition being treated.
Medicines and interactions
Review all your medications with your provider, including over-the-counter medicines and supplements. Have new medications checked before taking them.
Enzyme-inducing seizure medicines can greatly change tiagabine clearance. Starting or stopping one can require a new dose plan.
Other drugs that lower seizure threshold and sedatives require review. Avoid alcohol and do not self-treat psychiatric symptoms with extra doses.
Everyday tips
Use reminders and arrange refills before you run out.
Avoid driving until you know how treatment affects you; seizure-related driving restrictions may also apply.
Your questions answered
Can I stop if I feel well?
Consult with your provider before stopping. Abrupt withdrawal can cause seizures or a return of the condition being treated.
Does use for seizures mean I have epilepsy?
Not necessarily. Some antiseizure medicines have other approved or off-label uses. Confirm the specific goal of your prescription.
Storage and safety
Keep medication in its labeled container, away from excess heat and moisture and out of reach of children and pets. Do not share it. Ask a pharmacy about disposal of unused medication.
Sources
About this information
Educational handout; does not replace your prescription or provider's recommendations.
Educational inclusion does not mean this medication or its indications are treated at this practice. Review the guide for your exact product with your prescriber or pharmacist.