Retrospective evaluation of tiagabine overdose

Background. Tiagabine is an anticonvulsant that blocks reuptake of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA. There are no published studies or case series of tiagabine overdoses. Methods. The records of six poison centers and one statewide poison center network were searched for all exposures to tiagabine for the years 2000–2002. Inclusion criterion was a human tiagabine exposure with follow-up to a known outcome; exclusion criterion was multiple drug ingestion. Results. 57 cases met the inclusion criterion. Thirty-seven patients were female (67%). Mean and median ages were 30.5 years (S.D. ± 18.5) and 31 years, respectively, with a range of 2 to 80 years. Seven patients were ≤ 6 years. Neurologic symptoms were common: lethargy, seizures (multiple), status epilepticus, seizure (single), coma, confusion, agitation, tremors, dizziness, dystonias/abnormal posturing, and hallucinations. Other symptoms included respiratory depression, tachycardia, hypertension, and hypotension. Therapies included benzodiazepines, ...