ish Neurontin Pain Research

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(This is a current research report regarding the use of Neurontin

(Gabapentin) in neuropathic pain - current as of October 2002) ~ G

1: Pain 2002 Oct;99(3):557-66

Gabapentin in neuropathic pain syndromes: a randomised, double-blind,

placebo-controlled trial.

Serpell MG.

University Department of Anaesthesia and Pain Management, Gartnavel

General Hospital, 30 Court, G12 0YN, Scotland, Glasgow, UK

A double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled 8-week study was

conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of gabapentin in the

treatment of neuropathic pain, using doses up to 2400mg/day. The study

used a novel design that was symptom- rather than syndrome-based; an

approach that aimed to reflect the realities of clinical practice.

Participants had a wide range of neuropathic pain syndromes, with at

least two of the following symptoms: allodynia, burning pain, shooting

pain, or hyperalgesia. Patients were given in three divided doses,

initially titrated to 900mg/day over 3 days, followed by two further

increases, to a maximum of 2400mg/day if required by the end of week 5.

The primary outcome measure was changed in average daily pain diary

score (baseline versus final week). Over the 8 week study, this score

decreased (i.e. improved) by 1.5 (21%) in gabapentin treated patients

and by 1.0 (14%) in placebo treated patients (P=0.048, rank-based

analysis of covariance). Significant differences were shown in favour of

gabapentin (P<0.05) for the Clinician and Patient Global Impression of

Change, and some domains of the Short Form-McGill Pain Questionnaire.

Improvements were also shown in patient-reported outcomes in quality of

life, as seen by significant differences in favour of gabapentin in

several domains of the

Short-Form-36 Health Survey. Gabapentin was well tolerated and the

majority

of patients completed the study (79 versus 73% for placebo). The most

common adverse events were mild to moderate dizziness and somnolence,

most of which were transient and occurred during the titration phase.

This study shows that gabapentin reduces pain and improves some

quality-of-life measures in patients with a wide range of neuropathic

pain syndromes.