Gabapentin indications

Case reports have also been published on the utility of gabapentin (Soutullo et ah, 1998), verapamil (Kast-ner and Friedman, 1992), nimodipine (Davanzo et ah, 1999), lecithin (Schreier, 1982), and melatonin (Robertson and Tanguay, 1997). Taken together, these uncontrolled and small sample studies do not provide much in the way of useful information, but they do indicate what clinicians are doing to manage children and adolescents with bipolar symptoms. 

Gabapentin has been approved in the United States since 1993 for adjunctive use in the management of treatment-refractory partial epilepsy. Early evidence in open-label trials indicated possible mood-stabilizing properties ( 227, 234). Recent data from a placebo-controlled crossover trial, however, found no difference between gabapentin and placebo for manic or depressed episodes (235). 

Another group of mood-stabilizing drugs that are also anticonvulsant agents have become more widely used than lithium. These include carbamazepine and valproic acid for the treatment of acute mania and for prevention of its recurrence. Lamotrigine is approved for prevention of recurrence. Gabapentin, oxcarbazepine, and topiramate are sometimes used to treat bipolar disorder but are not approved by FDA for this indication. Aripiprazole, chlorpromazine, olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone, and ziprasidone are approved by FDA for the treatment of manic phase of bipolar disorder. Olanzapine plus fluoxetine in combination and quetiapine are approved for the treatment of bipolar depression. 

Anonymous. Gabapentin monotherapy new indication. Sometimes helpful. Prescrire Int 2000 9(46) 40-2. 

Table IV-1 -3 summarizes the mechanisms, indications for use, and potential toxic effects of some i newer anticonvulsants. Those listed are felbamate, gabapentin, lamotrigine, tiagabine, topiramate, and j...

Gabapentin is indicated as an adjunct for use against partiai seizures with or without secondary generalization, in patients oider than 12 years, and as adjunct for the treatment of partiai seizures in children 3 to 12 years of age. It also is approved for the treatment of postherpetic neuraigia. 

Overdose and treatment acute oral overdoses of gabapentin up to 49 grams have been reported. In these cases, double vision, slurred speech, drowsiness, lethargy, and diarrhea were observed. All patients recovered with supportive care. Gabapentin can be removed by hemodialysis. Although hemodialysis was not performed in the few overdose cases reported, it may be indicated by the patient s chnical state or in patients with significant renal impairment. 

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