Use of Gabapentin in the Treatment of Neuropathic Pain

OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the role of gabapentin for the treatment of neuropathic pain.DATA SOURCES:Clinical literature was identified through MEDLINE (from 1990 to October 1999). Key search terms were gabapentin and pain.DATA SYNTHESIS:Neuropathic pain can be a problematic, chronic syndrome that is frequently refractory to current drug treatments. Gabapentin is a newer generation antiepileptic drug that is commonly used in treatment of neuropathic pain. An evaluation of clinical trials using gabapentin to treat neuropathic pain was performed.CONCLUSIONS:Gabapentin appears to be effective in treating various neuropathic pain disorders. Gabapentin may have advantages over current therapies, such as a favorable safety profile and lack of drug interactions; however, cost issues and limited experience may limit the use of gabapentin as a first-line option.