Tiagabine

Tiagabine is a drug that is prescribed to treat partial seizures. While it is not exactly clear how the drug prevents these seizures in people with epilepsy, it may work by enhancing the effects of a naturally calming chemical (GABA) in the brain. As with all medications, side effects are possible with this drug. Some of its common side effects include dizziness, weakness, and shakiness.

Tiagabine HCL

What Is Tiagabine?

Tiagabine hydrochloride (Gabitril^®) is a prescription medication used to treat a specific type of epileptic seizure. Seizures are divided into two major categories: partial seizures (sometimes called focal seizures) and generalized seizures. Partial seizures occur in just one part of the brain, while generalized seizures affect both sides of the brain. Tiagabine is approved to be used with other seizure medications to control partial seizures in people with epilepsy.

(Click What Is Tiagabine Used For? for more information, including possible off-label uses.)

Side Effects

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with tiagabine. However, not everyone who takes the drug will have problems. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.

Common side effects of tiagabine include, but are not limited to:

Dizziness
Weakness
Shakiness (tremor)
Drowsiness.

(Click Side Effects of Tiagabine to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)

The following eMedTV articles describe specific side effects of tiagabine:

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