Korean J Anesthesiol.  2013 Jul;65(1):48-54. 10.4097/kjae.2013.65.1.48.

Administration of four different doses of gabapentin reduces awakening from breakthrough pain and adverse effects in outpatients with neuropathic pain during the initial titration

• Yang JY
• Lee WI
• Shin WK
• Kim CH
• Baik SW
• Kim KH

• KMID: 1828068
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4097/kjae.2013.65.1.48

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Gabapentin is a safe and well-tolerated anticonvulsant with a wide therapeutic index, and it is used for neuropathic pain. The aim of this study was to compare previous dosing methods with the administration of four different doses of gabapentin while maintaining the same maximum daily dose for the safe administration of high doses of the medication.
METHODS
The subjects were outpatients with various neuropathic pain syndromes, with at least two of the following symptoms: allodynia, burning pain, shooting pain, or hyperalgesia. The TID group received equal doses of gabapentin 3 times per day, while the QID group received 4 different doses of gabapentin per day. The pain score, frequency of breakthrough pain (BTP), severity and the duration of pain, sleep disturbance due to nocturnal pain, and adverse effects were recorded each day.
RESULTS
The average daily pain score and sleep disturbance were significantly reduced in the QID group between days 3 and 10 of the experiment. The adverse effects of the medication were also reduced in the QID group. However, the frequency of BTP and severity and duration of pain were not significantly different between two groups.
CONCLUSIONS
Administration of 4 different doses of gabapentin during the initial titration in outpatients with neuropathic pain resulted in a significant reduction in awakening from breakthrough pain and a reduction in the adverse effects of the medication.

Keyword

Ambulatory care; Drug administration schedule; Gabapentin; Neuropathic pain

MeSH Terms

Ambulatory Care
Amines
Breakthrough Pain
Burns
Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids
Drug Administration Schedule
gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
Humans
Hyperalgesia
Neuralgia
Outpatients
Amines
Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids
gamma-Aminobutyric Acid