Gabapentin for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of Gabapentin in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia. Anticonvulsant drugs are regarded as useful treatment of neuropathic pain. In this study the efficacy and side effects of Gabapentin in comparison with Carbamazepine for the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia were evaluated. The study was interventional and cross over comparison. Fifty six patients with Trigeminal neuralgia were administered Gabapentin in comparison to fifty seven control group with Carbamazepine. The clinical trial comprised of two phases of 4 weeks each with three days of washout period. The final titration dose for Gabapentin was 900mg and Carbamazepine 1200mg. the efficacy of these medications was determined by visual analogue scale [VAS] and side effects were recorded through marking of profiles encountered on initiation as well as termination of each of two phase of clinical trial. The Gabapentin benefited 55% [31/56] of the patients with pain relief [p<0.05] in contrast to 50% [29/57] who obtained relief of pain from Carbamazepine as control on visual analogue scale assessment. It was concluded that Gabapentin is more effective and safer drug for the treatment of Trigeminal Neuralgia