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Gabapentin for overactive bladder and nocturia after anticholinergic failure.
Yong T Kim1, Dong D Kwon, John Kim
1Department of Urology; Chungbuk National University Hospital Chungbuk, South Korea.
Summary
Gabapentin shows promise for treating overactive bladder (OAB) and nocturia in patients unresponsive to standard therapies. This study found gabapentin improved symptoms in nearly half of participants, offering a potential alternative treatment.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Overactive bladder (OAB) and nocturia significantly impact quality of life.
- Conventional anticholinergic therapies are not effective for all patients.
- Refractory OAB and nocturia necessitate exploring alternative treatment options.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of gabapentin for OAB and nocturia.
- To assess gabapentin as a treatment option for patients who failed anticholinergic therapy.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 31 patients with refractory OAB and/or nocturia received oral gabapentin.
- Patients continued or had tried antimuscarinic drugs.
- Gabapentin dosage was initiated at 100-300 mg at bedtime and titrated up to 3,000 mg daily based on tolerance and symptoms.
Main Results:
- Fourteen out of 31 patients reported subjective improvement in urinary frequency.
- For improved patients, mean urinary frequency decreased from 14.1 to 10.0 episodes/24 hours.
- Three patients with nocturia experienced a reduction from 4.0 to 1.0 episodes/night. Six patients discontinued due to side effects like drowsiness.
Conclusions:
- Gabapentin improved symptoms in 14 of 31 patients with refractory OAB and nocturia.
- Gabapentin is a generally well-tolerated option for select patients who have not responded to conventional treatments.