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Tiagabine for treating painful tonic spasms in multiple sclerosis: a pilot study
  1. C Solaro,
  2. P Tanganelli
  1. Department of Neurology, PA Micone Hospital, Via Oliva 22, Genova 16100, Italy
  1. Correspondence to:
 Dr C Solaro;
 csolarolibero.it

https://doi.org/10.1136/jnnp.2003.017160

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    Tiagabine (Gabitril, Paris, France) is a new antiepileptic drug that acts as a selective inhibitor of the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) transporter, GAT-1.1 It has recently been reported to be effective in diseases other than epilepsy, such as stiff man syndrome2 and neuropathic pain,3 conditions in which GABAergic mechanisms are supposedly involved. In multiple sclerosis, painful tonic spasms affect approximately 10% of patients and are usually treated with GABAergic drugs such as baclofen or gabapentin.4,5

    We undertook an open label pilot study of tiagabine, in a dose range of 5 to 30 mg/day, in a group of seven multiple sclerosis patients with painful tonic spasms who were non-responsive or intolerant to established drug treatment. The patients had previously been treated with gabapentin, baclofen, diazepam, or clonazepam, and were being followed in the department of neurology, PA Micone Hospital, Genoa, Italy. Four …

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