Effect Of Gabapentin Research Articles

Evaluating the Effects of Pregabalin, Gabapentin, and Amitriptyline for Treatment of Neuropathic Pain in Cancer Patients

Evaluating the Effects of Pregabalin, Gabapentin, and Amitriptyline for Treatment of Neuropathic Pain in Cancer Patients

Evaluation of gabapentin administration on neurologic examination in 2 different age groups of healthy cats.

Gabapentin is often administered PO for preappointment or in-hospital anxiolysis in cats. A previous study reported mild changes on the neurologic examination after administration. Investigate the effects of gabapentin on anxiety, sedation, compliance, and neurologic examination in 2 age groups of cats. Thirty-one young cats and 12 geriatric cats perceived by their owners to be healthy and neurologically normal. Prospective double-blinded clinical crossover study. Assessment of baseline sedation and anxiety was performed before initial neurologic examinations and after gabapentin administration (100 mg/cat). Assessments were repeated 90 to 120 minutes after administration. Ease of handling pregabapentin and postgabapentin was assessed in the younger cats. All examinations were performed by a board-certified veterinary neurologist and scoring of examinations was performed by a different, masked board-certified neurologist. Sixteen cats (50%) in the younger cohort and 6 cats (50%) in the geriatric cohort exhibited an increase in their overall neurologic examination score postgabapentin administration, mainly through new or progressive postural reaction deficits and gait changes. Anxiety and sedation scores were significantly changed in the geriatric population (P < .01, P = .004, respectively); however, only sedation scores were significantly increased in the younger cats after gabapentin administration (P = .004). All study participants showed mild neurologic changes after gabapentin administration, most markedly noted in the geriatric population. Dose reduction of gabapentin for preappointment anxiolysis and neurologic examination in geriatric patients should be considered.

Enhancing analgesia in acute renal colic pain: a randomized controlled trial of gabapentin adjunct to ketorolac-based regimen

BackgroundRenal colic is characterized by severe pain that is highly disabling. Gabapentin, an antiepileptic medication, is often recommended as a first-line therapy for neuropathic pain. However, its effectiveness in managing somatic pain, which is defined as the result of activity by pain receptors in the deep tissues, such as renal colic pain, is not as well-established.MethodA phase 3 randomized clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the adjuvant analgesic effects of gabapentin on acute renal colic pain. Eligible patients participated in the study via random allocation to the control or gabapentin groups using the block randomization method. All patients received a shared regimen of ketorolac and rescue morphine as the conventional analgesic treatment for renal colic pain. Gabapentin was added as an adjuvant analgesic for the gabapentin group.ResultA total of 63 individuals with an average age of 41.35 ± 13.08, were enrolled and completed the study. At the time of admission, there were no significant differences between the baseline characteristics of two groups, with exception of weight. The gabapentin group showed a significantly higher percentage of patients with pain severity of less than 5 after 60 and 90 min, as well as a significantly lower percentage of morphine rescue requirement and total morphine intake (mg) and mg/kg.ConclusionIn cases of acute renal colic, gabapentin significantly decreases both the amount of morphine required and the degree of pain, indicating that it may be a useful adjutant to standard analgesic regimens. Treatment regimens that include gabapentin may help individuals manage their pain and become less reliant on opioids. Clinical Trial Registrationhttps://irct.behdasht.gov.ir/trial/56066, identifier: IRCT20200322046833N2.

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

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. 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. 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. 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.

The role of vitamin E In reducing the side effects of Gabapentin on some physiological parameters related to the heart in male albino rats

The study was designed to evaluate the role of vitamin E in reducing the side effects of gabapentin on some physiological parameters related to the heart in male albino rats,(30) males were used, who were divided into three equal groups : The control group was given physiological saline solution in concentration( 0.9% ), the treatment group T1 was given gabapentin at a concentration of (100mg / Kg) of body weight, treatment group (T2) was given gabapentin at a concentration of (100mg / Kg) of body weight and vitamin E at a concentration of 80 mg/kg of body weight, the results revealed that gabapentin causes significant increase in some parameters related to the heart,Vitamin E helped reduce them.

Gabapentin-Induced Adrenal Insufficiency: The Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Stress Misresponse and Risk of Infection: A Case Report and Literature Review.

This literature review, in light of the presented case report, explores the complex interplay between gabapentin (GBP), a gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) analog, and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in patients undergoing major surgical procedures. It specifically investigates the potential impact of GBP on cortisol levels, stress responses, and infection risk, illustrated by a detailed clinical case. This review combines a comprehensive literature search with a case report of a 17-year-old male with osteosarcoma who experienced transient adrenal insufficiency and infections while receiving GBP. The case is analyzed in the context of the existing literature on GBP and the HPA axis. The findings highlight the intricate relationship between GBP use, adrenal insufficiency, and infection susceptibility. It underscores the need for further research and clinical vigilance when prescribing GBP to patients with underlying medical conditions, particularly in the context of major surgical procedures. The review underscores the need for further research and clinical vigilance when prescribing GBP, particularly in perioperative settings. In conclusion, GBP's effects on the HPA axis and immune responses are complex and multifaceted. Clinicians should exercise caution when prescribing GBP, especially for patients with underlying conditions undergoing major surgery. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms of GBP's influence on cortisol levels and stress responses.

Effect of Oral Gabapentin before Plasmakinetic Resection of the Prostate on Anesthesia Effects in Older Adults with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Retrospective Study.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common chronic disease affecting the health of the urinary system and the quality of life in older adults. Plasmakinetic resection of the prostate (PKRP) is one of the important surgical procedures for treating BPH; However, older adults may experience anesthesia complications and postoperative pain. This retrospective study aimed to assess the effects of preoperative oral gabapentin on anesthesia outcomes in older adults with BPH undergoing PKRP and to provide detailed clinical evidence for improving the impact of surgical treatment. The medical records of 178 older adults with BPH who underwent PKRP in Tianjin Hospital from March 2021 to March 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. After excluding 18 patients who did not meet the inclusion criteria, 160 patients were finally included in the study. According to preoperative use of gabapentin, patients were divided into the observation group (n = 75, received gabapentin) and the control group (n = 85, did not receive gabapentin). The baseline data, visual analog scale (VAS) scores, postoperative Ramsay Sedation Scale (RSS) scores, and incidence of adverse reactions were collected. There were no significant differences observed between the two groups in terms of age, body mass index, prostate volume, surgery duration, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, history of hypertension and diabetes mellitus, VAS scores at postoperative 36 hours and 48 hours, and RSS scores at postoperative 2 hours, 4 hours, 8 hours, 12 hours, 24 hours, 36 hours, and 48 hours (p > 0.05). Compared to the control group, the observation group had significantly lower VAS scores at postoperative 2 hours, 4 hours, 8 hours, 12 hours, and 24 hours (p < 0.001), and the incidence of adverse reactions was significantly lower within 24 hours after surgery (p < 0.05). Preoperative administration of gabapentin before PKRP could reduce pain severity and the incidence of adverse reactions and improve anesthetic effects in older adults with BPH, which is conducive to postoperative recovery.

Discriminative stimulus properties of two training doses of gabapentin in rats: Substitution by pregabalin, diazepam, and pentobarbital.

Gabapentin is used for the treatment of many conditions, including seizures, pain, and anxiety. Increasing reports of nonprescribed use suggest that gabapentin may elicit positive subjective effects. The present study was conducted to examine the subjective effects of gabapentin using rats trained to discriminate either a 30.0 mg/kg or 300.0 mg/kg dose of gabapentin versus vehicle on a two-choice drug discrimination task. Both doses of gabapentin were established as discriminative stimuli, and the 300.0 mg/kg dose was more readily established compared to the 30.0 mg/kg dose. Full substitution (> 80% gabapentin-lever responding) occurred by the training drug and by the gabapentinoid compound pregabalin. Partial substitution (> 20% gabapentin-lever responding) was shown by the opioid compounds morphine and fentanyl, and dose combinations of the opioid receptor antagonist naltrexone with the gabapentin training doses reduced the percentage of gabapentin-lever responding to below 80%. Partial substitution for both training doses of gabapentin occurred with the cannabinoid Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol. The barbiturate compound pentobarbital and the benzodiazepine compound diazepam were only tested for substitution for the 300.0 mg/kg dose of gabapentin and these compounds produced full substitution. These findings demonstrate that gabapentin establishes a robust discriminative cue and exhibits stimulus effects closely similar to pregabalin, pentobarbital, and diazepam. Since pregabalin, pentobarbital, and diazepam carry a risk of problematic use and are classified as controlled substances, further evaluations of gabapentin's risks in this regard are warranted. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

A comprehensive review of the typical and atypical side effects of gabapentin

AbstractBackgroundGabapentin, a widely prescribed medication for various neuropathic pain conditions, has demonstrated efficacy in managing diverse neurological disorders. While conventional side effects are well‐documented, a growing body of evidence suggests the existence of atypical side effects, necessitating comprehensive exploration. This paper aims to systematically review and summarize the literature on the atypical side effects of gabapentin, shedding light on manifestations beyond the conventional spectrum.MethodsA systematic review was conducted, encompassing peer‐reviewed articles published up to the knowledge cutoff date in November 2023. Databases, specifically PubMed, were searched for relevant studies, focusing on atypical side effects such as myoclonus, ataxia, pediatric aggression, respiratory depression, pneumonia, pregnancy complications, sleep interference, encephalopathy, peripheral edema, suicidal ideation, dyskinesia, anorgasmia, and myopathy. Inclusion criteria comprised studies with a focus on gabapentin‐related atypical side effects, published in recognized journals and involving human subjects.ResultsThe review identified a spectrum of atypical side effects associated with gabapentin use, ranging from neurological manifestations like myoclonus and ataxia to behavioral changes such as pediatric aggression and suicidal ideation. Additionally, respiratory complications, pregnancy‐related issues, sleep disturbances, and rare complications like encephalopathy and myopathy were observed. Literature synthesis provided insights into the incidence, clinical presentation, and potential mechanisms underlying these atypical side effects.ConclusionThis comprehensive review highlights the diverse range of atypical side effects associated with gabapentin use, expanding beyond conventional knowledge. Healthcare practitioners must be cognizant of these manifestations, recognizing their potential impact on patient well‐being. As clinical decision‐making relies on a thorough understanding of a medication's side effect profile, this review contributes to enhancing awareness and fostering informed practices in the prescription and management of gabapentin. Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms and risk factors associated with these atypical side effects, refining our understanding of gabapentin's safety profile.

Preoperative Gabapentin for Pain Control: A Randomized, Placebo-controlled Clinical Trial in Patients Undergoing Inguinal Hernioplasty

PurposeThe perioperative use of gabapentin has been suggested to reduce postoperative pain and opioid consumption. However, there is a variation in clinical practice, the type of surgery and the administration time seem to be distinct between the available studies. We assess whether gabapentin administered before surgery reduces postoperative pain in patients who have undergone inguinal hernioplasty. DesignThis is a double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled trial. MethodsSeventy-seven patients scheduled for inguinal hernioplasty were randomized in two groups to receive gabapentin (900 mg) or placebo in the perioperative period. The primary outcome was analgesia measured by visual analog scale up to 30 days after surgery. The secondary outcomes such as morphine consumption, nausea, headache, and sedation have been also described. FindingsPatients who received gabapentin had lower postoperative pain scores compared to the control group, P < .001. The postoperative morphine use was significantly lower in the gabapentin (5.3%) versus placebo group (74.4%), P < .001. No significant difference between groups was observed for the occurrence of adverse events. ConclusionsThe perioperative administration of gabapentin was effective in reducing postoperative pain and had an important effect in decreasing morphine use. Together, our data reveal a long-lasting opioid-sparing effect of gabapentin in patients who underwent inguinal hernioplasty.

Effectiveness of Gabapentin as a Benzodiazepine-Sparing Agent in Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome.

Background and Objectives: Gabapentin has shown promise as a potential agent for the treatment of alcohol withdrawal syndrome. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of gabapentin as a benzodiazepine-sparing agent in patients undergoing alcohol withdrawal treatment in all the hospitals of a large tertiary healthcare system. Materials and Methods: Medical records of patients admitted to the hospital for alcohol withdrawal management between 1 January 2020 and 31 August 2022 were reviewed. Patients were divided into two cohorts: benzodiazepine-only treatment who received benzodiazepines as the primary pharmacotherapy and gabapentin adjunctive treatment who received gabapentin in addition to benzodiazepines. The outcomes assessed included the total benzodiazepine dosage administered during the treatment and the length of hospital stay. The statistical models were calibrated to account for various factors. Results: A total of 4364 patients were included in the final analysis. Among these, 79 patients (1.8%) received gabapentin in addition to benzodiazepines, and 4285 patients (98.2%) received benzodiazepines only. Patients administered gabapentin required significantly lower average cumulative benzodiazepine dosages, approximately 17.9% less, compared to those not receiving gabapentin (median 2 mg vs. 4 mg of lorazepam equivalent dose (p < 0.01)). However, there were no significant differences in outcomes between the two groups. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that using gabapentin with benzodiazepine was associated with a reduction in the cumulative benzodiazepine dosage for alcohol withdrawal. Considering gabapentin as an adjunctive therapy holds promise for patients with comorbidities who could benefit from reducing benzodiazepine dose. This strategy warrants further investigation.

The use of low doses of gabapentin in patients with neuropathic pain and with thrombocytopenia

Introduction. Approximately 21–27% of patients with blood system diseases receive opioid analgesics, with neuropathic pain being one of the most common reasons for prescription. Gabapentin is used as a first-line drug for neuropathic pain (NP), but has been poorly studied in patients with blood system diseases.The objective was to study the effectiveness and safety of gabapentin in patients with blood system diseases with chronic pain.Materials and methods. A single-center, prospective observational study included 24 patients with thrombocytopenia and pain between October 2017 and October 2022. The patients’ age ranged from 18 to 71 years (median 40 years). All patients with blood system diseases: non-tumor blood system diseases (aplastic anemia) in 8% (n = 2), myeloid tumor blood system diseases (acute myeloid leukemia) in 34% (n = 8), lymphoid tumor blood system diseases (acute lymphoblastic leukemia, follicular lymphoma, diffuse B – large cell lymphoma, T-cell lymphomas, multiple myeloma) in 58% (n = 14). All patients had thrombocytopenia less than 150∙109/l, 66% (n = 16) had less than 90∙109/l. All patients were diagnosed with neuropathic pain (NP), localized according to the neuroanatomical distribution and accompanied by sensory disturbances typical of NP. The localization of pain was different, pain predominated in the lower extremities (63% (n = 15), 95% CI: 43 – 79%), caused by peripheral polyneuropathy of predominantly toxic origin (vincristine, bortezomib), and pain was also caused by the course of the underlying disease: cephalalgia and neck pain, this pain was caused by compression of the nerve structures by the lymph nodes, postherpetic neuralgia, trigeminal neuralgia caused by tumor growth. All patients had intractable, high-intensity pain requiring trimeperidine at a dose of 20–40 mg/day. All patients were prescribed gabapentin therapy at a dose of 900–1200 mg/day.Results. When taking gabapentin in the study group of patients (n = 24), already on the 3rd day, there was a clinically and statistically significant decrease in pain intensity: 1) by median: from the initial 6 to 4 points, p = 0.01 (and up to 3 points by 7th day of therapy) and 2) on average: from initial 6.5 to 3.9 points, p = 0.01 (and up to 3.2 points by the 7th day). Stratification of the dynamics of pain intensity reduction by type of blood system disease (BSD) shows that the decrease by day 3 (sustained and further by day 7) was clinically and statistically significant (p = 0.01) for groups of patients with lymphoid and myeloid BSD, and clinically and approximately statistically significant in patients (n = 2) with non-tumor BSD. Analgesic therapy using small doses of gabapentin gave a pronounced, stable positive effect (pain intensity statistically significantly decreased by an average of 50%). After 7 days of gabapentin therapy, a decrease in the opioid dose was noted in 52% of patients. Side effects were dominated by drowsiness 67% (n = 16), dizziness 32% (n = 8).Conclusion. The results of this study indicate that gabapentin is effective in the treatment of chronic neuropathic pain in patients with BSD and is safe when used in minimal/average therapeutic doses within the daily dosing ranges established by the official instructions for use.

Pharmacokinetic profile and physiological effects of oral and compounded intravenous gabapentin in goats

ObjectiveTo determine the pharmacokinetics and physiological effects following oral and intravenous (IV) administration of gabapentin in goats. Study designProspective, crossover study with a 3 week washout period between treatments. AnimalsA total of eight healthy, client-owned, female goats. MethodsGabapentin (10 mg kg–1) was administered to goats either orally or IV. Gabapentin concentrations were measured in serum samples collected 0–96 hours post-administration using liquid chromatography–quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure and temperature were recorded before and throughout the study. Correlations of the mean serum concentrations of gabapentin to those of each physiological parameter were determined using the Pearson method. ResultsThe mean and standard deviation of oral bioavailability for gabapentin was 60.9 ± 11.2%. Maximum serum concentration of gabapentin was lower following oral (1.19 ± 0.29 μg mL–1) than after IV administration (59.76 ± 14.38 μg mL–1, p < 0.0001). Half-lives were longer following PO (8.18 ± 0.57 hours) than after IV administration (1.79 ± 0.06 hours, p < 0.0001). Time to maximum concentration was 6.86 ± 2.27 hours following oral administration. Heart rate was inversely correlated with serum gabapentin concentrations. Slight ataxia was observed in three animals, and one became recumbent following IV gabapentin. Conclusions and clinical relevanceGabapentin is well-absorbed following oral administration to goats but yielded significantly lower serum concentrations than the IV route. The longer half-life of gabapentin following oral than after IV administration may result from prolonged absorption throughout the caprine gastrointestinal tract. IV gabapentin may cause slight ataxia in some goats.

Sleep as an Important Target or Modifier in Alcohol Use Disorder Clinical Treatment: Example From a Recent Gabapentin Randomized Clinical Trial.

Alcohol consumption affects sleep both in healthy populations and in patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD). However, sleep has typically not been considered within AUD pharmacotherapy trials. We used data from a completed gabapentin clinical treatment trial to explore the medication's effect on patient-rated insomnia measured by a standard insomnia rating (Insomnia Severity Index [ISI]) and whether this influenced gabapentin's effects on alcohol consumption. This study included 90 individuals with current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition AUD criteria reporting current or past alcohol withdrawal. Participants were assigned to placebo or gabapentin (up to 1200 mg/day) for a 16-week randomized controlled trial with percent heavy drinking days (PHDD) and percent abstinent days (PDA) as outcomes. Utilizing mixed-effects models, this study assessed medication effects on ISI over the trial. We then examined the interaction of baseline ISI and medication on drinking. Finally, given our previous finding of alcohol withdrawal influencing gabapentin efficacy, we added change in ISI as a potential "moderator" of the interaction of medication effects and alcohol withdrawal on drinking. Sleep (ISI) improved more in those treated with gabapentin (60.6% reduction) compared with placebo (37.8% reduction; P = 0.013). Higher baseline ISI predicted drinking in gabapentin-treated individuals (lower PHDD [ P = 0.026] and higher (PDA [ P = 0.047]). ISI was an independent predictor of PHDD decrease and PDA increase ( P < 0.001; P = 0.002), but this did not significantly moderate gabapentin's effectiveness. Although gabapentin positively impacts both alcohol use and sleep, its effect on drinking is not fully dependent on sleep improvement, implying a direct biological mechanism on alcohol use.

Comparing the effects of pre-emptive oxycodone, diclofenac, and gabapentin on postoperative pain after tibia fracture surgery: A randomized clinical trail.

Postoperative pain (POP) is one of the most common and most important types of pain. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of pre-emptive oxycodone, diclofenac, and gabapentin on postoperative pain (POP) among patients with tibia fracture surgery. This double-blind three-group randomised controlled trial was conducted in 2023. Participants were 111 candidates for tibia fracture surgery under general anaesthesia. They were randomly allocated to oxycodone, gabapentin, and diclofenac groups through block randomisation. Baseline arterial oxygen saturation, heart rate, and blood pressure were documented before surgery and POP and sedation status were measured during postoperative recovery and 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 h after surgery. Postoperative opioid analgesic use was also documented. The data were analysed using the SPSS software (v. 20.0) at a significance level of less than 0.05. Groups did not significantly differ from each other respecting participants' baseline age, gender, body mass index, arterial oxygen saturation, heart rate, blood pressure, and surgery duration (P > 0.05). Moreover, there were no significant differences among the groups respecting POP and sedation status at different measurement time points (P > 0.05), except for six hours after surgery at which the POP mean score in the gabapentin group was significantly less than the other two groups (P = 0.001). Among-group differences respecting postoperative use of opioid analgesics and medication side effects were also insignificant (P > 0.05). Pre-emptive oxycodone, diclofenac, and gabapentin significantly reduce POP among patients with tibia fracture surgery, though gabapentin may produce more significant analgesic effects. All these three medications can be used for pre-emptive analgesia. Of course, the best pre-emptive analgesic agent is determined based on the opinion of the treating physician.

Effectiveness of Postburn Pruritus Treatment and Improvement of Insomnia-A Randomized Trial.

Postburn pruritus is difficult to assess and treat. Antihistamines used in its treatment provide little relief. Identification of the itch neuronal pathway has inspired new alternatives, including gabapentin, for its management. The study compared the effectiveness of cetirizine, gabapentin, and a combination of gabapentin and cetirizine in treating postburn pruritus. Burn patients were randomly assigned to treatment with Cetirizine (n = 23), Gabapentin (n = 23), or Cetirizine plus Gabapentin (n = 23). A baseline assessment of the intensity or the severity of pruritus was evaluated, after which treatment commenced with standard doses of the 3 study regimens. Quality of sleep was assessed at baseline (day 0) and repeated on day 3, day 7, and day 14. Approximately 97% of participants presented with moderate or severe itch; 69% with acute itch; and the majority (94.2%) experienced pruritus between the first and fourth weeks. Gabapentin reduced itch by 92.9% in 14 days compared to cetirizine's 61.8%. The combined effect of cetirizine and gabapentin was comparable using gabapentin alone. When the itch became protracted over 6 weeks, the effectiveness of cetirizine in controlling itch worsened. It reduced itch intensity by only 37.7%, whilst gabapentin did so at 89.4%. Itch intensity correlated positively with insomnia, and controlling itch intensity improved sleep. Gabapentin was more effective for the treatment of postburn pruritus than cetirizine. Controlling itch intensity improved sleep. In acute and moderate itch, low-dose gabapentin could be added if cetirizine is the drug intended for its treatment.

Effects of Gabapentin on the Treatment of Behavioral Disorders in Dogs: A Retrospective Evaluation.

The use of gabapentin in treating dogs with behavioral disorders is not well described. To characterize behavioral effects of gabapentin, this study surveyed 50 owners whose dogs were prescribed gabapentin at a veterinary behavior-focused practice over a five-year period. Most owners (72%) reported that gabapentin was moderately or very effective at improving their dog's behavior. The majority of owners reported at least one side effect (70%), with sedation being the most common. Sedation was more likely to be seen at doses higher than 30 mg/kg. Specific dose ranges (mg/kg) did not correlate with any other reports of side effects nor effectiveness. Dogs with a diagnosis of conflict-related aggression were more likely to have owners report that gabapentin was effective at improving behavior compared to dogs with other behavioral diagnoses (p = 0.04), while dogs diagnosed with aggression secondary to high arousal were less likely to have owners report that gabapentin was effective (p = 0.01). Overall, reports of effect varied widely and, with the exception of sedation, did not correlate with specific mg/kg dose ranges. Results suggest that some dogs may be more sensitive or resistant to adverse and/or therapeutic effects than others and multiple dosage trials may be needed before finding the best fit.

The Effect of Oral Gabapentin and Pregabalin as a Prodrug in Pain Control after Orthopedic Surgery on the Upper Limb: A Double-Blind Parallel Randomized Clinical Trial Study.

To compare the effects of oral gabapentin (GBP) and pregabalin (PGB) in pain control after orthopedic surgery on the upper limb. In this double-blind randomized clinical trial study, 80 patients who were the candidates for elective orthopedic surgery on one of the parts of the upper limb were divided into two groups using balance-block randomization. For the first group, a 150 mg capsule of PGB (one hour before the surgery) and for the second group, a 300 mg capsule of GBP (two hours before the surgery) were prescribed. Patients were subjected to standard monitoring at the beginning and during surgery. The pain scores were evaluated at before surgery, in PACU (postanesthesia care unit), and 6 and 12 hours after the surgery by VAS (visual analog scale). In this study, 37 subjects were allocated to each group. The participation rate was 92.5%. The mean with 95% confidence interval (CI) of pain scores over 4 times in the PGB group was 4.03 (3.25-4.79), 3.76 (3.02-4.49), 3.65 (3.06-4.23), and 3.41 (2.88-3.93) and in the GBP group was 4.08 (3.33-4.83), 2.78 (2.11-4.45), 2.3 (2.05-2.54), and 2 (1.51-2.50), respectively. The within-group comparisons showed a significant decrease in the pain score over time (P < 0.001). Also, the between-group comparison showed significant differences between the two groups in terms of pain score (P < 0.001). In the end, results showed that there is a significant interaction between time and intervention for pain score (P=0.042). Although two medicines led to a reduction in the pain score, but the rate reduction in the PGB group was significantly more than that in the GBP group. This trial is registered with IRCT20211013052759N1.

Effects of gabapentin on slow-wave sleep period in critically ill adult patients: A randomized controlled trial.

Sleep deprivation is a prevalent problem in critically ill patients, which leads to delayed recovery and delirium. Slow-wave sleep (SWS) is essential to energy restoration, tissue repair, and immune system strengthening. This study aimed to investigate the effects of gabapentin on SWS in critically ill patients. We performed a prospective open-label randomized controlled study to compare SWS and the clinical outcomes of gabapentin versus a control intervention in critically ill adult patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) within 24 h. The patients' characteristics and sleep-related outcomes were recorded. The sleep-related outcomes, namely, bispectral analysis (BIS), the Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire (RCSQ), and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels, were evaluated. Furthermore, clinical outcomes and safety were assessed. Sixty patients from 348 cases were eligible for randomization. On day 3 of the study, patients in the gabapentin group had significantly increased SWS (66.79 vs. 0.00 min; p < 0.001), total sleep time (TST) (331.39 vs. 46.16 min; p = 0.001), RCSQ score (55.05 ± 20.18 vs. 32.80 ± 15.31; p < 0.001), and IGF-1 concentrations (84.33 ± 12.40 vs. 44.00 ± 10.20 ng/mL, p < 0.001) compared with the control group. Improvements in clinical outcomes, such as delirium, ICU-free days, and mechanical ventilator-free days, were observed; however, these differences did not reach statistically significant. Gabapentin at bedtime increased SWS, TST, and IGF-1 concentrations in critically ill patients. This regimen might be beneficial to critically ill patients for improving their sleep quality.

Assessment of the effect of gabapentin on blood pressure in cats with and without chronic kidney disease.

The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of gabapentin on blood pressure (BP) in cats with and without chronic kidney disease (CKD). A randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled crossover study was performed. A total of 29 cats were included: 13 cats with stable CKD (IRIS stage 2-4) and 16 apparently healthy cats (serum creatinine <1.6 mg/dl and urine specific gravity >1.035). The cats were evaluated twice, approximately 1 week apart, and BP (Doppler sphygmomanometry) was obtained 3 h after cats received either a single dose of gabapentin 10mg/kg PO or placebo. For each cat, BP readings were obtained at each visit using the same Doppler and sphygmomanometer unit, and the same cat holder and Doppler operator, in the same location. After administration of a single dose of gabapentin (10 mg/kg PO), BP was significantly lower (median 122 mmHg, range 82-170) than after administration of the placebo (median 150 mmHg, range 102-191; P = 0.001). In the CKD subgroup, BP was significantly lower after administration of gabapentin (median 129 mmHg, range 96-170) than after administration of the placebo (median 155 mmHg, range 102-191; P = 0.008). In the healthy cat subgroup, BP was significantly lower after administration of gabapentin (median 121 mmHg, range 82-139) than after administration of the placebo (median 137 mmHg, range 102-177; P = 0.002). The median change in BP was -12 mmHg (range -95 to 10) for healthy cats and -12 mmHg (range -43 to 21) for cats with CKD (no significant difference between subgroups). Gabapentin may decrease arterial BP in cats with and without CKD and these findings should be taken into account when gabapentin is administered to patients in which measurement of BP is needed.