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Updated: May 9, 2026
07:01
Electrophoretic Delivery of γ-aminobutyric Acid (GABA) into Epileptic Focus Prevents Seizures in Mice
Published on: May 16, 2019
Gabapentin add-on for drug-resistant partial epilepsy
Sarah Al-Bachari1, Jennifer Pulman, Jane L Hutton
1Department of Neurology, Royal Preston Hospital, Preston, UK. sarahalbachari@yahoo.co.uk.
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|July 27, 2013
Summary
Gabapentin effectively reduces seizure frequency in drug-resistant partial epilepsy as an add-on therapy. However, its long-term efficacy and effects beyond three months remain unproven.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Up to 30% of epilepsy patients develop drug-resistant epilepsy, particularly those with partial seizures.
- Gabapentin is an antiepileptic drug often used as an add-on treatment.
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 and meta-analysis of randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trials.
- Included 11 trials with 2125 participants; meta-analysis of 6 trials (1206 participants).
- Assessed seizure frequency, seizure freedom, treatment withdrawal, and adverse effects.
Main Results:
- Gabapentin significantly increased the likelihood of a 50% or greater reduction in seizure frequency (RR 1.89).
- Higher doses of gabapentin (1800 mg) showed increased response rates compared to placebo.
- Adverse effects like dizziness, fatigue, and somnolence were significantly associated with gabapentin.
Conclusions:
- Gabapentin demonstrates efficacy as an add-on treatment for drug-resistant partial epilepsy.
- Evidence for long-term efficacy beyond three months is lacking.
- Results are not applicable to monotherapy or other epilepsy types.
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