Related Experiment Videos
Gabapentin add-on for drug-resistant partial epilepsy.
A G Marson1, Z A Kadir, J L Hutton
1University Department of Neurological Science, Room 2.30 - Clinical Science Centre for Research & Education, Lower Lane, Liverpool, Merseyside, UK, L9 7LJ. TMarson@compuserve.com
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|July 25, 2000
Summary
Gabapentin demonstrates efficacy as an add-on treatment for drug-resistant partial epilepsy, with higher doses showing increased effectiveness. However, long-term efficacy and use in other epilepsy types require further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Clinical Pharmacology
Background:
- Up to 30% of epilepsy patients develop drug-resistant epilepsy, particularly those with partial seizures.
- Gabapentin is a novel antiepileptic drug investigated for add-on therapy in refractory epilepsy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of gabapentin as an add-on treatment for drug-resistant partial epilepsy.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind add-on trials of gabapentin.
- Searched Cochrane Epilepsy Group's trial register and contacted manufacturers and experts.
- Assessed seizure frequency reduction, treatment withdrawal, and side effects; performed intention-to-treat analyses and dose-response evaluations.
Main Results:
- Five trials involving 997 patients showed gabapentin significantly increased seizure frequency reduction (OR 1.93).
- Efficacy increased with dose, with 1800mg gabapentin achieving a 28.5% response rate (NNT 6.7).
- Significantly associated side effects included dizziness, fatigue, and somnolence.
Conclusions:
- Gabapentin is effective as an add-on therapy for drug-resistant partial epilepsy.
- Short trial durations limit conclusions on long-term efficacy.
- Results are not generalizable to monotherapy or other epilepsy types.