The comparison of paroxetine and gabapentin in the management of postmenopausal symptoms

Firoozeh Veisi Firoozeh Veisi,Tabassom Azadian Tabassom Azadian,Maryam Zangeneh Maryam Zangeneh

doi:10.30574/gscbps.2021.15.2.0122

Firoozeh Veisi Firoozeh Veisi, Tabassom Azadian Tabassom Azadian + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.30574/gscbps.2021.15.2.0122

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Abstract

Objective: To compare the clinical efficacy of gabapentin, an anticonvulsant agent, and paroxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor in the management of post-menopausal symptoms. Methods: In this clinical trial, two groups of patients with menopause who had hot flashes were included. One group received gabapentin (600 mg daily, 23 cases) for 8 weeks. The other group received paroxetine (one capsule daily at the morning or at bedtime, 23 cases) for 8 weeks. The MRS (Menopause Rating Scale) as well as the Beck’s Depression Inventory were used to assess the efficacy of the studied medications. Results: In paroxetine and gabapentin groups, hot flashes, sleep problems, muscle/joint pains, depression, irritability, anxiety, memory problems, and lack of concentration severity significantly decreased after 8 weeks of treatment. Only urinary problems in two treatment groups did not show any significant difference. There was no significant difference in dryness and burning sensation before and after gabapentin (P> 0.05). However, these changes were significant in paroxetine group (P <0.05). Conclusion: Both paroxetine and gabapentin were effective options in decreasing the severity of menopausal symptoms namely hot flashes, heart discomfort, sleep problems, and muscle/joint pains. In addition, the two medications had favorable results regarding psychological aspects of menopause.

Highlights

Menopause is associated with several symptoms and complications
Following decreased secretion of ovarian estrogen, several menopausal symptoms begin to develop including After the extinction of the ovaries and the reduction of sex hormones, the effects of estrogen reduction appear as symptoms such as hot flashes, headaches, dizziness, frequent urination, depression, pruritus, and so on
Considering the previous studies [14] and reduction rate of hot flashes of 71% for gabapentin and 33% for paroxetine and a power of 80% and confidence level of 95%, the required sample size was calculated as 23 patients in each group

Summary

Introduction

Following decreased secretion of ovarian estrogen, several menopausal symptoms begin to develop including After the extinction of the ovaries and the reduction of sex hormones, the effects of estrogen reduction appear as symptoms such as hot flashes, headaches, dizziness, frequent urination, depression, pruritus, and so on. Many of these complications can be prevented and treated [1]. Vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes and night sweating) are the most important and widely studied menopausal symptoms. Hot flash has been reported as a prevalent symptom in about half of the patients [2]. Bother the patients, and affect the quality of life of the women adversely [3]

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Conclusion