Intentional overdose with tiagabine: an unusual clinical presentation

J Emerg Med. 2004 Oct;27(3):271-2. doi: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2004.06.003.

Abstract

Tiagabine (Gabitril) is a unique anticonvulsant that is prescribed for a variety of psychiatric disorders. We report a case of intentional self-poisoning with tiagabine. A 46-year-old woman was brought to the Emergency Department after being found confused and nonverbal while wandering in a field. Eighteen tablets (72 mg) of her tiagabine prescription were missing. Remarkable findings on initial examination were facial grimacing, flexure posturing of both upper extremities, and 7-mm, reactive pupils. She was uncommunicative and unable to follow commands. Vital signs, blood chemistries and a head CT scan were normal. Urine toxicology screening was negative. An extrapyramidal reaction was suspected and diphenhydramine 50 mg was administered without effect. Lorazepam 2 mg was given with significant improvement. She was admitted for observation and all symptoms resolved within 12 h of admission. Tiagabine overdose causes an unusual array of neurological symptoms, many similar to reported adverse effects during therapeutic use.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anticonvulsants / poisoning*
  • Drug Overdose
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypnotics and Sedatives / therapeutic use
  • Midazolam / therapeutic use
  • Middle Aged
  • Nervous System Diseases / chemically induced
  • Nervous System Diseases / drug therapy
  • Nervous System Diseases / pathology*
  • Nipecotic Acids / poisoning*
  • Tiagabine
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants
  • Hypnotics and Sedatives
  • Nipecotic Acids
  • Midazolam
  • Tiagabine