Friday, March 03, 2006

Cochrane review on gabapentin for neuropathic pain

This Cochrane review is abstracted in the February 1 issue of American Family Physician. Gabapentin is effective with a number needed to treat (NNT) of 4. Adverse effects including dizziness, somnolence and headache occur with a number needed to harm (NNH) of 4. This is a significant trade off which must be gauged by patient preference. Tricyclics and carbamazepine have lower NNTs and are less expensive.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Can the gabapentin be used alone, or will it need to be combined with other drugs in order to be effective?

John