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Tiagabine (pronounced /taɪˈæɡəbiːn]/[1]) is an anti-convulsive medication produced by Cephalon and marketed under the brand name Gabitril. The drug was discovered at Novo Nordisk in Denmark in 1988. and was co-developed with Abbott. After a period of co-promotion, Cephalon licensed Tiagabine from Abbott/Novo and now are the exclusive producer. The medication is also used in the treatment of panic disorder as are a few other anticonvulsants.
[edit] Pharmacology
It is believed that the pharmacology is related to its ability, documented in in vitro experiments, to enhance the activity of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. These experiments have shown that tiagabine binds to recognition sites associated with the GABA uptake carrier. It is thought that, by this action, tiagabine blocks GABA uptake into presynaptic neurons, permitting more GABA to be available for receptor binding on the surfaces of post-synaptic cells. evidence is available that it operates as a selective GABA reuptake inhibitor.[1]
[edit] Side effects
Tiagabine's most common side effects include confusion, difficulty speaking clearly/stuttering, mild sedation, and in doses over 8 mg, a tingling sensation (paresthesia) in the body's extremities, particularly the hands and fingers.
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