Gabapentin adjunctive therapy in neuropathic pain states.

OBJECTIVE

This is a report of a trial of the new antiepileptic agent gabapentin in patients with intractable neuropathic pain.

DESIGN

A case series of patients with a diagnosis of neuropathic pain whose previous management was inadequate were given oral gabapentin in increasing doses and were followed for a minimum of 2 months, monitored for efficacy and side effects.

SETTING

An outpatient pain management center located within a major university medical center.

PATIENTS

Convenience sample of patients referred for management of intractable neuropathic pain.

INTERVENTIONS

Simplification of existing pharmacologic management, addition of gabapentin, and attempted reduction of opiate analgesic doses.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Patient self-reports and pain scores in successive office visits.

RESULTS

Gabapentin provides analgesic activity for patients with neuropathic pain and has the advantage of a low side effect profile and drug toxicity.