Use of gabapentin in the treatment of neuropathic pain

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of gabapentin for the treatment of neuropat hic 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 tha t is frequently refractory to current drug treatments. Gabapentin is a newe r generation antiepileptic drug that is commonly used in treatment of neuro pathic pain. An evaluation of clinical trials using gabapentin to treat neu ropathic pain was performed. CONCLUSIONS: Gabapentin appears to be effective in treating various neuropa thic 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 fi rst-line option.