title: Gabapentin monotherapy: new indication. Sometimes helpful.
abstract: (1) Gabapentin is now licensed for first-line or replacement monotherapy of partial epilepsy, in patients over 12 years of age.  (2) The assessment file concurs with current recommendations of medicines agencies.  (3) One comparative trial of first-line monotherapy showed a similar efficacy/adverse effects ratio of gabapentin and carbamazepine. Gabapentin has not been compared with valproate sodium.  (4) In one trial, involving patients with refractory epilepsy, various doses of gabapentin were added to an ongoing inadequately effective treatment, which was then gradually stopped.  Gabapentin monotherapy was considered satisfactory in a minority of patients.  (5) The adverse effects of gabapentin are limited to neuropsychological disorders, namely dizzy spells, drowsiness, fatigue and headache.  The risk of interactions is also limited.  (6) The optimal dose regimen of gabapentin is not yet established.
mesh_terms: D000085:Acetates / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004828:Epilepsies, Partial / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000085:Acetates; D000927:Anticonvulsants