A retrospective chart review of gabapentin for the treatment of aggressive and agitated behavior in patients with dementias.
In a 24-patient case series from retrospective chart review, the authors examined the use of gabapentin for the treatment of aggressive and agitated behaviors in nursing home patients with a DSM-IV diagnosis of dementia. On Clinical Global Rating Scale scores, 17 of 22 patients were much or greatly improved; 4 were minimally improved; and only 1 remained unchanged. Two of the 24 patients discontinued use of the medication because of excessive sedation. No other significant side effects were noted in treatment lasting up to 2 years.
VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Mental Illness Research, Educational and Clinical Center, Menlo Park, CA 94205, USA. jwhawkins@stanford.edu
J W
JW
Hawkins
J R
JR
Tinklenberg
J I
JI
Sheikh
C E
CE
Peyser
J A
JA
Yesavage
D000085:Acetates / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000374:Aggression / Q000187:drug effects; D000588:Amines; D018692:Antimanic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002140:California; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids; D003704:Dementia / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D000077206:Gabapentin; D006801:Humans; D007297:Inpatients / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D008499:Medical Records; D008875:Middle Aged; D009735:Nursing Homes; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012920:Social Behavior Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
D000085:Acetates; D000588:Amines; D018692:Antimanic Agents; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; D000077206:Gabapentin