Dose-response effects of tiagabine on the sleep of older adults.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the dose- response effects of tiagabine on sleep and safety measures in healthy older adults.


METHODS
Randomized, double-blind, Latin-square design.


METHODS
Sleep laboratory.


METHODS
Twenty-four healthy older adults (11 men, 13 women; mean age 68.0 +/- 6.2 years)


METHODS
Tiagabine 2, 4, or 8 mg, or placebo, each given on two consecutive nights.


RESULTS
Polysomnography revealed that compared with placebo, tiagabine 4 mg increased total sleep time, reduced wake after sleep onset, and increased minutes of slow-wave sleep. Tiagabine 8 mg decreased wake after sleep onset, increased slow-wave sleep, and improved a sleep-continuity index. No differences were seen between the 2-mg dose and placebo. Subjective ratings indicated fewer awakenings with the 8-mg dose. Central nervous system adverse events were somewhat higher in the 8-mg condition only. Measures of morning performance were minimally affected.


CONCLUSIONS
Research with tiagabine at dosages of 8 mg or less appears warranted in elderly clinical populations.
Sleep Medicine & Research Center, St. John's Mercy Medical Center, St. Luke 's Hospital, St. Louis, MO, USA. walsjk@stlo.smhs.com
James K
JK
Walsh
Angela C
AC
Randazzo
Sara
S
Frankowski
Kathy
K
Shannon
Paula K
PK
Schweitzer
Thomas
T
Roth
D000368:Aged; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D018755:GABA Agonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009557:Nipecotic Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017286:Polysomnography; D012890:Sleep / Q000187:drug effects*; D007319:Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012894:Sleep Stages / Q000187:drug effects; D000078308:Tiagabine
D018755:GABA Agonists; D009557:Nipecotic Acids; D000078308:Tiagabine