Abstract

ABSTRACTBackgroundSeveral anticonvulsant agents, including carbamazepine, phenytoin, and valproate, are effective in some patients for the treatment of pain and tremor. This study reports on a trial of the newly introduced anticonvulsant, gabapentin, for pain and tremor control.MethodsA large case series of patients with centrally mediated pain, peripherally mediated pain, migraine, and tremor were treated in an open-label study with gabapentin (maximum of 2,700 mg/day).ResultsThirty-nine patients (65%) had moderate-to-excellent improvement in symptoms, with the best responses occurring in patients with peripherally mediated neuropathic pain. The other conditions treated that showed some improvement were benign essential/familial tremor, restless legs syndrome, centrally mediated pain, and periodic nighttime leg movements.ConclusionsGabapentin offers an effective, safe alternative therapy or co-therapy for the listed painful conditions and tremor; it does not affect the metabolism of other medications and is well tolerated.