Gabapentinoids for Chronic Pain: A Comprehensive Review of Current Literature on Efficacy, Safety and Withdrawal

Abstract

Gabapentinoids, pregabalin (LyricaTM) and gabapentin (NeurontinTM) are anticonvulsants that have been approved for chronic pain conditions such as diabetic peripheral neuropathy, postherpetic neuralgia, fibromyalgia, and are also widely prescribed off-label for chronic low back pain. Prescriptions for gabapentinoids have increased rapidly in the last five years, however, the evidence for its efficacy can be conflicting and will be analyzed for each of these chronic pain conditions. The adverse event rates and safety profile will be examined, including case reports of the occurrence of serious adverse events, to ascertain whether gabapentinoids have the potential to cause harm above the benefit of providing effective pain relief. Additional case reports that record extreme withdrawal syndromes In order to weigh the advantages over the risks, it will contribute to the body of evidence and will recognize places where study is lacking. The resulting realistic guidelines for evaluating gabapentinoid treatment for chronic pain will be based on the review of proof of effectiveness, adverse events and withdrawal.