Comparing the effectiveness of pregabalin and gabapentin in patients with lumbar radiculopathy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND

Gabapentinoids are commonly prescribed to control neuropathic pain of lumbar radiculopathy. Few trials have compared the efficacy of gabapentin (GBP) and pregabalin (PGB). Therefore, the authors conducted a meta-analysis to compare the difference in effect between GBP and PGB in lumbar radiculopathy patients.

METHODS

Articles which were published between January 1, 1960 and May 31, 2023 were investigated via Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, Google Scholar, and MEDLINE. This meta-analysis was conducted on patients with lumbar radiculopathy. Gabapentin was used as an intervention, and pregabalin as a comparison. As outcomes, pain rating scales including visual analog scale (VAS) and numeric pain rating scale (NRS), and number of adverse events (dizziness and sedation) were obtained.

RESULTS

PGB showed statistically significant improvement in pain scale (VAS and NRS) in short-term follow-up (6 weeks or less) compared to GBP. (Total mean difference of -0.31) However, in the long-term follow-up (6 weeks to 12 weeks), there was no difference in pain reduction effect between two groups. The incidence of AEs showed no difference between two groups.

CONCLUSION

Based on this article, the existing evidence suggests that PGB was more effective in reducing pain of lumbar radiculopathy compared to GBP at the short-term follow-up, but there was no difference in the long-term follow-up. Physicians should consider this finding in prescribing medications for patients with lumbar radiculopathy.