title: Cognitive abilities and adjustment with gabapentin: results of a multisite study.
abstract: The cognitive and quality of life effects of gabapentin are not yet well explored. While preliminary work in the area has provided positive findings, a large double-blinded study has been needed to explore this area more thoroughly. From 24 sites in North America, 201 adults were studied who had uncontrolled complex partial seizures with or without secondary generalization. Attempts were made to convert each patient from one or two marketed antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) taken in baseline to gabapentin monotherapy (600, 1200, or 2400 mg/day). Tests of cognitive abilities and adjustment were administered at the end of the 8-week baseline period and at the end of the 26-week double-blind treatment period. Analyses of baseline to treatment period changes were conducted for each dose group in comparison with a reference group of placebo-treated patients from another study. In the area of cognitive functioning, no changes in any of the gabapentin groups were found in comparison with the reference group. In the area of adjustment and mood, however, improvement with gabapentin administration was noted on several variables pertaining to emotional and interpersonal adjustment. These results are consistent with findings from previous studies.
authors.affiliation: Regional Epilepsy Center, Harborview Medical Center, Seattle, WA 98104-2499, USA. cdodrill@u.washington.edu
authors.forename: C B
authors.initials: CB
authors.lastname: Dodrill
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Arnett
authors.forename: A G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Hayes
authors.forename: E A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Garofalo
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Greeley
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Greiner
authors.forename: M W
authors.initials: MW
authors.lastname: Pierce
mesh_terms: D000085:Acetates / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000328:Adult; D000588:Amines; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D017029:Epilepsy, Complex Partial / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D000077206:Gabapentin; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
chemical_list: D000085:Acetates; D000588:Amines; D000927:Anticonvulsants; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; D000077206:Gabapentin