Using gabapentin to treat neuropathic pain.
OBJECTIVE
To review use of gabapentin as an adjuvant agent to treat neuropathic pain.


METHODS
MEDLINE was searched from 1995 to October 1998 for reports. There were approximately 20 citations. Additional articles from Pain and other medical journals were reviewed. No double-blind studies have examined gabapentin and its use as an analgesic adjuvant agent.


RESULTS
Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant medication used recently as an effective adjuvant agent for treating neuropathic pain. It is a structural analogue of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), but its receptor and biochemical function remain unknown. Gabapentin has desirable pharmacokinetic properties and acceptable side effects, which simplify its use. There are very few interactions between gabapentin and other medications, and gabapentin is well tolerated.


CONCLUSIONS
Gabapentin could be an effective adjuvant agent for many neuropathic pain states.
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D000085:Acetates / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000328:Adult; D000588:Amines; D000700:Analgesics / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids; D005260:Female; D000077206:Gabapentin; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009437:Neuralgia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000188:drug therapy; D013997:Time Factors; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
D000085:Acetates; D000588:Amines; D000700:Analgesics; D000927:Anticonvulsants; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; D000077206:Gabapentin