GABA reuptake inhibitor (antiepileptic)

Tiagabine

Brand names: Gabitril

Tiagabine is an antiseizure medicine used as adjunctive therapy for partial (focal) seizures with or without secondary generalisation.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It selectively inhibits the GAT-1 GABA transporter, reducing reuptake of GABA into neurones and glia and thereby prolonging inhibitory GABAergic neurotransmission.

Prescribing in practice

It has been associated with new-onset seizures and status epilepticus in people without epilepsy when used off-licence, so it should be reserved for adjunctive treatment of epilepsy and titrated gradually.
Dizziness, tremor, difficulty concentrating and tiredness are common, particularly during titration.
Clearance is increased by enzyme-inducing antiseizure drugs, which may affect the regimen.

Monitoring

Monitor seizure frequency, alertness and central nervous system tolerability, and remain alert to mood changes during treatment.

Counselling the patient

Do not stop the medicine abruptly, as this may trigger seizures.
Report new or worsening seizures, marked drowsiness or low mood.

Evidence & guidelines

Its adjunctive efficacy in focal epilepsy is supported by randomised placebo-controlled trials.

Reference: NICE NG217; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Calculators

Pathways