Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 19, 2026
07:57
A New Method for Inducing a Depression-Like Behavior in Rats
Published on: February 22, 2018
Tiagabine in anxiety disorders
Thomas L Schwartz1, Nikhil Nihalani
1Department of Psychiatry, SUNY Upstate Medical University, 750 East Adams Street, Syracuse, NY, USA. schwartzresearch1@yahoo.com
Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy
|October 6, 2006
Summary
Tiagabine, a selective GABA reuptake inhibitor, shows potential as an anxiolytic treatment for anxiety disorders. Further large-scale controlled studies are needed to confirm its efficacy and safety.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) plays a crucial role in the development and management of anxiety.
- Tiagabine is the sole selective GABA reuptake inhibitor (SRIA) available in the US market.
- Tiagabine functions by blocking the GAT-1 transporter, enhancing GABA neurotransmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the anxiolytic properties of tiagabine.
- To assess the tolerability and safety profile of tiagabine in patients with anxiety disorders.
Main Methods:
- Review of preclinical and human studies, including case series, open-label studies, and placebo-controlled trials.
- Analysis of reported adverse events associated with tiagabine use.
Main Results:
- Preclinical and human studies suggest tiagabine exhibits anxiolytic effects.
- Tiagabine has been generally well-tolerated, with common side effects including dizziness, headache, and nausea.
- Existing data primarily stem from small-scale investigations.
Conclusions:
- Tiagabine demonstrates promise as an adjunctive therapy for anxiety disorders.
- Larger, controlled studies are required to validate findings from preliminary investigations.
- Further research is necessary to confirm the efficacy and long-term safety of tiagabine.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Anxiolytic Drugs: Benzodiazepines and Buspirone
Benzodiazepines are a class of anxiolytic drugs known for their rapid efficacy and high therapeutic-to-lethal dose ratio, but with a potential risk of drug dependence. These drugs are lipophilic, allowing for rapid absorption after oral administration, eventually reaching the central nervous system (CNS). Once in the CNS, benzodiazepines bind to the allosteric site of the GABAA receptor. This binding enhances the inhibitory effects of the neurotransmitter GABA. By doing so, they prevent...
01:26Anxiolytic Drugs: Overview
Anxiolytic drugs are vital in managing anxiety disorders by effectively alleviating symptoms such as excessive fear, tachycardia, and tremors. There are several classes of anxiolytic medications, each with unique mechanisms of action and potential side effects.
Primary Types of Anxiolytic Drugs
1. Benzodiazepines:
Benzodiazepines bind to the GABA-A receptor in the brain, enhancing GABA's interaction. This action reduces neurotransmission, effectively blocking anxiety-associated limbic circuitry.
Primary Types of Anxiolytic Drugs
1. Benzodiazepines:
Benzodiazepines bind to the GABA-A receptor in the brain, enhancing GABA's interaction. This action reduces neurotransmission, effectively blocking anxiety-associated limbic circuitry.
01:30Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a chronic condition characterized by excessive and uncontrollable worry that persists for at least six months, significantly interfering with daily functioning. Unlike situational anxiety, which arises in response to specific stressors, GAD often occurs without a clear cause. Individuals may experience disproportionate worry about work, health, or relationships. For instance, a person might continuously fear poor health despite normal medical evaluations or...
01:28Antidepressant Drugs: Tricyclics, SSRIs, and SNRIs
Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs), including Desipramine (Norpramin), Imipramine (Tofranil), Clomipramine (Anafranil), and Amitriptyline (Elavil), inhibit serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake and also block other receptors. They are used for depression, pain conditions, and insomnia. Common adverse effects include anticholinergic effects, sedation, orthostatic hypotension, and weight gain. They have a narrow therapeutic window and so require plasma-level monitoring. Abrupt discontinuation can...
01:18Anxiety: Overview
Anxiety is a common mental disorder featuring excessive worry, fear, and apprehension, significantly affecting daily life. People with anxiety disorders experience persistent and intense anxiety, interrupting their everyday functioning.
Individuals with anxiety often experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including sweating, trembling, tachycardia, and disturbances in sleep patterns. These symptoms vary in intensity and frequency but are generally disruptive and distressing.
Individuals with anxiety often experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including sweating, trembling, tachycardia, and disturbances in sleep patterns. These symptoms vary in intensity and frequency but are generally disruptive and distressing.
01:23Antidepressant Drugs: MAOIs and Other Agents
Atypical antidepressants, including bupropion (Wellbutrin), mirtazapine (Remeron), nefazodone (Serzone), trazodone (Desyrel), and vilazodone (Viibryd), offer unique mechanisms of action. Bupropion weakly inhibits dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake, aiding depression treatment and smoking cessation, with a low risk of sexual dysfunction. Mirtazapine enhances serotonin and norepinephrine neurotransmission, leading to sedation, increased appetite, and weight gain. As a result, it helps treat...