Topical gabapentin solution for the management of burning mouth syndrome: A retrospective study

The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of topical gabapentin solution (250 mg/mL) for the management of burning mouth syndrome (BMS).

A retrospective chart review was conducted of all patients diagnosed with BMS and managed with gabapentin 250 mg/mL solution (swish and spit) between January 2021 and October 2022. Patient-reported outcomes included changes in burning score ranked on a 10-point numeric rating scale (NRS) and reported adverse drug reactions (ADR). Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to assess differences in the oral burning score ranked on a NRS (0-10) between the baseline visit and the second visit.

A total of 19 patients (68.4% females) with BMS were included and evaluated for follow-up at a median of 86 days (range: 29-195). Overall, patients reported a median 2-point burning decrease on a 0-10 NRS between the baseline visit and the second visit (p < 0.01). ADRs were reported by 3 patients (15.8%).

Although this was a small retrospective study, BMS management with topical gabapentin (250 mg/mL) appears to be effective and well-tolerated. Future randomized prospective studies are needed to verify these preliminary findings.