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Published on: February 17, 2023
Gabapentin shows promise in treating refractory insomnia in children
Althea A Robinson1, Beth A Malow
11Department of Neurology, Sleep Disorders Division, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
Insights
Gabapentin shows promise for treating pediatric insomnia, especially in children with neurodevelopmental disorders. This study found improved sleep in 78% of children treated with gabapentin.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Sleep Medicine
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Insomnia is common in children, particularly those with neurodevelopmental disorders.
- Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant medication with demonstrated efficacy in adult insomnia treatment.
- Limited data exists on gabapentin's use for pediatric insomnia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of gabapentin for treating insomnia in children.
- To review clinical experience with gabapentin in a pediatric sleep clinic setting.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 23 children treated with gabapentin for insomnia.
- Participants were seen between January 2009 and March 2012 in a Pediatric Sleep Clinic.
- Children had a mean age of 7.2 years; 87% had neurodevelopmental/neuropsychiatric diagnoses.
- Sleep behavioral interventions were provided to all parents.
- Gabapentin dosing ranged from 5 to 15 mg/kg at bedtime.
Main Results:
- Improved sleep was observed in 78% of the children at follow-up.
- The majority of children (70%) experienced both sleep-onset and sleep-maintenance insomnia.
- Adverse effects were reported in 6 children.
Conclusions:
- Gabapentin appears to be an effective treatment for pediatric insomnia, particularly in children with neurodevelopmental disorders.
- Further research is warranted to confirm these findings and establish optimal dosing and long-term safety profiles.
Abstract:
Insomnia is prevalent in pediatrics, particularly in those with neurodevelopmental disorders. Gabapentin has shown promise in treating insomnia in adults. The purpose of our study was to review our experience with using gabapentin to treat insomnia in children. We identified 23 children, seen by the authors in our Pediatric Sleep Clinic from January 2009 to March 2012. The mean age was 7.2 years and 70% were male. The majority (87%) had been given diagnoses of neurodevelopmental or neuropsychiatric disorders. All parents received education in sleep behavioral interventions. The majority of children (70%) had both sleep-onset and sleep maintenance insomnia. The average starting dose of gabapentin was 5 mg/kg every bedtime and the maximal dose was 15 mg/kg every bedtime. At follow-up, improved sleep was noted in 78% of children. Adverse effects were noted in 6 children.
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