Gabitril Side Effects

Generic name: tiagabine

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 29, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Gabitril.

Applies to tiagabine: oral tablet Side Effects associated with tiagabine. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Gabitril.

Applies to tiagabine: oral tablet.

Precautions

Tiagabine may cause dizziness, drowsiness, trouble in thinking, trouble with motor skills, or vision problems. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert, well-coordinated, or able to think or see well.

This medicine will add to the effects of alcohol and other CNS depressants (medicines that make you drowsy or less alert). Some examples of CNS depressants are antihistamines or medicine for hay fever, other allergies, or colds; sedatives, tranquilizers, or sleeping medicine; prescription pain medicine or narcotics; barbiturates; other medicines for seizures; muscle relaxants; or anesthetics, including some dental anesthetics. Check with your medical doctor or dentist before taking any of the above while you are taking tiagabine (the active ingredient contained in Gabitril)

Do not stop taking tiagabine without first checking with your doctor. Stopping the medicine suddenly may cause your seizures to return or to occur more often. Your doctor may want you to gradually reduce the amount you are taking before stopping completely.

Serious side effects of Gabitril

Along with its needed effects, tiagabine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur while taking tiagabine:

Symptoms of overdose

• agitation (severe)
• clumsiness or unsteadiness (severe)
• coma
• confusion (severe)
• drowsiness (severe)
• increase in seizures
• mental depression
• severe muscle twitching or jerking
• sluggishness
• speech problems (severe)
• weakness

Other side effects of Gabitril

Some side effects of tiagabine may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to tiagabine: oral tablet.

Dermatologic adverse events

• Very common (10% or more): Common (1% to 10%): Rash, pruritus
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dermatitis bullous dermatitis, bruising
• Frequency not reported: Vesiculobullous rash, exfoliative dermatitis^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Vasodilation^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Nausea (11%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, increased appetite, mouth ulceration^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Abnormal hepatic function (elevated SGPT, GGT)^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Common (1% to 10%): Myasthenia, muscle twitching^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Very common (10% or more): Infection (15%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Influenza syndrome^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Dizziness (27%), asthenia (20%), somnolence (18%), nervousness (10%), tremor
• Common (1% to 10%): Ataxia, paresthesia, abnormal gait, nystagmus, speech disorder
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Nonconvulsive status epilepticus
• Frequency not reported: Encephalopathy^[Ref]

Ocular

• Very common (10% or more): Blurred vision, visual field defects
• Common (1% to 10%): Amblyopia, diplopia^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Pharyngitis, cough, rhinitis^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Common (1% to 10%): Difficulty with concentration/attention, insomnia, confusion, memory loss, depressed mood, emotional lability, hostility/aggression, agitation
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Depression, psychosis
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Hallucinations, delusion^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Accidental injury (17%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Pain (unspecified), fatigue^[Ref]

See also:

Further information

Gabitril side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer