Use of gabapentin in the treatment of neuropathic pain.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the role of gabapentin for the treatment of neuropathic pain.


METHODS
Clinical literature was identified through MEDLINE (from 1990 to October 1999). Key search terms were gabapentin and pain.


RESULTS
Neuropathic pain can be a problematic, chronic syndrome that is frequently refractory to current drug treatments. Gabapentin is a newer generation antiepileptic drug that is commonly used in treatment of neuropathic pain. An evaluation of clinical trials using gabapentin to treat neuropathic pain was performed.


CONCLUSIONS
Gabapentin appears to be effective in treating various neuropathic pain disorders. Gabapentin may have advantages over current therapies, such as a favorable safety profile and lack of drug interactions; however, cost issues and limited experience may limit the use of gabapentin as a first-line option.
Laird
M A
MA
School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin, Madison 53706, USA.
Gidal
B E
BE
D000085:Acetates / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000588:Amines; D000700:Analgesics / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids; D000077206:Gabapentin; D006801:Humans; D009437:Neuralgia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
D000085:Acetates; D000588:Amines; D000700:Analgesics; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; D000077206:Gabapentin