An open-label trial of gabapentin treatment of paroxysmal symptoms in multiple sclerosis patients.
We conducted an open-label trial of gabapentin (GBP) as therapy for paroxysmal symptoms (PS) in 21 MS patients, including trigeminal neuralgia (6 patients), painful tonic spasms (11), dysesthetic or paresthetic symptoms (3) and ocular ataxia (1). Complete resolution of symptoms or partial improvement was obtained, respectively, in 14 and 4 of 18 patients who ended the study. Sustained improvement with minor side effects was obtained at dosages ranging from 600 to 1200 mg/d. Our findings suggest that GBP may be effective for PS in MS and warrant a further study in a double-blind placebo-controlled trial.
Department of Neurological Sciences and Neurorehabilitation University of Genoa, Italy.
C
C
Solaro
G L
GL
Lunardi
E
E
Capello
M
M
Inglese
M
M
Messmer Uccelli
A
A
Uccelli
G L
GL
Mancardi
D000085:Acetates / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000328:Adult; D000588:Amines; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids; D005260:Female; D000077206:Gabapentin; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D013035:Spasm / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
D000085:Acetates; D000588:Amines; D000927:Anticonvulsants; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; D000077206:Gabapentin