title: Gabapentin is effective in treating nocturnal painful spasms in multiple sclerosis.
abstract: In-patients with MS nocturnal spasms (NPS) occur frequently, primarily during the night and may influence the ability to and/or quality of sleep. We enrolled in an open label trial with GBP (up to 600 mg/day) 24 MS patients with NPS. We obtained patient reports of subjective discomfort at pre-treatment and following 2- (T1) and 8 weeks (T2), utilizing a 3-point analogue scale. Twenty of the 22 patients who completed the study reported resolution or amelioration of discomfort. Clinical improvement occurred 1 - 5 days following initial treatment. Three patients experienced adverse effects but completed the minimal follow-up period (2 weeks). Two patient dropped out of the study due to no compliance or adverse effects. A very low dose of GBP may be effective treatment for MS patients with NPS who may benefit from rapid improvement of discomfort with minimal risk of adverse effects.
authors.affiliation: Department of Social and Health Services and Research, Italian M.S. Society.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Solaro
authors.forename: M M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Uccelli
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Guglieri
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Uccelli
authors.forename: G L
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Mancardi
mesh_terms: D000085:Acetates / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000588:Amines; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids; D000077206:Gabapentin; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000150:complications*; D010146:Pain / Q000503:physiopathology; D013035:Spasm / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D013997:Time Factors; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
chemical_list: D000085:Acetates; D000588:Amines; D000927:Anticonvulsants; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; D000077206:Gabapentin