Neonatal Gabapentin Withdrawal Syndrome.
BACKGROUND
Gabapentin, an anticonvulsant, neuroleptic, and pain medication, is widely used in both adults and children for management of epilepsy, bipolar illness, and neuropathic pain. Gabapentin use has also been recommended for hyperemesis gravidarum and restless leg syndrome in pregnant mothers.


OBJECTIVE
Although gabapentin use is deemed safe during pregnancy, no clinical reports of gabapentin withdrawal syndrome in a neonate have been described.


RESULTS
We present a newborn who showed signs of withdrawal after prolonged in utero exposure to gabapentin.


CONCLUSIONS
Clinicians should be aware of possible withdrawal symptoms from drugs such as gabapentin, administered to mothers during pregnancy. We also encourage the gradual tapering of gabapentin in neonates over weeks to months similar to the adult population.
Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland.
Melisa
M
Carrasco
Department of Neurology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland.
Sanjai C
SC
Rao
Division of Neonatology, Children's Hospital, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland.
Cynthia F
CF
Bearer
Division of Neonatology, Children's Hospital, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland. Electronic address: ssundararajan@peds.umaryland.edu.
Sripriya
S
Sundararajan
D000588:Amines / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000700:Analgesics / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D000077206:Gabapentin; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009357:Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / Q000009:adverse effects*
D000588:Amines; D000700:Analgesics; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; D000077206:Gabapentin
gabapentin; newborn; pregnancy; withdrawal