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Gabapentin

In Postherpetic Neuralgia

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Abstract

▴ Gabapentin is a structural analogue of the neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) approved for use in adults with postherpetic neuralgia.

▴ Gabapentin does not bind to GABAa or GABAb receptors. Its mechanism of action in humans is unclear, but may involve binding to α2δ calcium channel subunits in animal models.

▴ Reductions in the mean daily pain score from baseline to week 7 or 8 of treatment (primary endpoint) were significantly greater with gabapentin 1800–3600 mg/day than placebo therapy in two well designed trials in patients with postherpetic neuralgia. The proportion of responders (patients showing a ≥50% reduction in mean daily pain score at endpoint versus baseline) was significantly greater with gabapentin than placebo.

▴ Daily sleep rating scores, the Short Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (total pain scores), Patient and Clinician Global Impression of Change and measures on the Short Form-36 Health Survey (including physical functioning, role-physical, bodily pain, vitality or mental health) improved to a significantly greater extent with gabapentin than placebo.

▴ Adverse events associated with gabapentin in patients with postherpetic neuralgia were usually mild to moderate in intensity, with dizziness, somnolence and peripheral oedema being commonly reported.

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  1. Use of tradenames is for product identification purposes only and does not imply endorsement.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Adis International Limited, 41 Centorian Drive, Private Bag 65901, Mairangi Bay, Auckland, 1131, New Zealand

    Monique P. Curran & Antona J. Wagstaff

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  1. Monique P. Curran
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  2. Antona J. Wagstaff
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Correspondence to Monique P. Curran.

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Curran, M.P., Wagstaff, A.J. Gabapentin. CNS Drugs 17, 975–982 (2003). https://doi.org/10.2165/00023210-200317130-00004

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