[Gabapentin and women].
OBJECTIVE
In the management of epilepsy, as a chronic disorder, one should remember the factors which differentiate the patients so that they may be classified into groups with common characteristics. Using gender as a differentiating criterion, we tried to systematize the factors which should be considered when studying and treating a female patient with epilepsy.


METHODS
The factors to be taken into account are biological such as the sex hormones or of psychosocial type such those related to the stigma, which may have special characteristics depending on gender. Once these factors had been systematized, we reviewed the clinical use of gabapentin from the point of view of the group considered.


CONCLUSIONS
We suggest that special guidelines should be used according to the patient s gender. This review considers the female gender. The rational use of gabapentin, as monotherapy or polytherapy plays an important part in fulfilling the requirements described.
Padró
Ll
L
Unitat d'Epilepsies; Hospital General Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, 08035, España. 6269lpu@comb.es
Falip
M
M
Rovira
R
R
D000085:Acetates / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000588:Amines; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004828:Epilepsies, Partial / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D000077206:Gabapentin; D006801:Humans; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
D000085:Acetates; D000588:Amines; D000927:Anticonvulsants; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; D000077206:Gabapentin