The Effect of Gabapentin on Intensity and Duration of Hot Flashes in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background:Menopause is the stage of time in which the menstruation stops following the loss of ovarian activity. The purpose of this study was to find out the effectiveness of gabapentin on hot flashes in postmenopausal women.Materials and Methods:A randomized controlled trial from Feb 2010 to 2011 was conducted. Sixty postmenopausal women who were referred to obstetrics and gynecology ward of two educational hospitals were recruited and divided into two groups (intervention and control). Intervention group received 300 mg gabapentin three times a day for three months, while control group received placebo. The Intensity and duration of hot flashes in women scored and recorded using visual analog scale. Independent, Paired t-test and chi-square test were used for analyzing data.Results:Intensity of hot flashes in the beginning of research in the intervention group was significantly different with the first, second and third follow-up visit (P<0.05). Also at the end of intervention a significant difference between intervention and control groups were observed regarding the intensity, frequency and duration of hot flashes (P<0.05 and P=0.01 respectively).Conclusion:According to the findings of this study; it appears that the use of gabapentin could decrease the intensity, duration and frequency of hot flashes in postmenopausal women. For postmenopausal women who hormone therapy is contraindicated, gabapentine could be an acceptable alternative.

Sleep disorders in adults with epilepsy

“…Pregabalin and/or gabapentin are two AEDs that have been shown to improve disturbed sleep in a variety of common conditions, including neuropathic pain [62][63][64], postherpetic neuralgia [65,66], fibromyalgia [67,68], restless legs syndrome [69], general anxiety disorder [70], sleep bruxism [71], menopausal women with insomnia with or without hot flashes [72][73][74][75], and autistic children with refractory insomnia [76]. The evidence suggests that the positive effects of pregabalin are distinct from its analgesic, anxiolytic, and anticonvulsant effects [77].…”

American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and American College of Endocrinology Position Statement on Menopause–2017 Update

“…In a randomized, placebo-controlled trial, 900 mg gabapentin offered better relief of hot flashes than placebo in a 3-month trial (47). An additional randomized, placebo-controlled trial evaluating gastro-retentive gabapentin (1,800 mg/day) in 600 women with 7 or more moderate to severe hot flashes per day over 6 months revealed efficacy over placebo for both reduction in hot flashes and improved sleep, although the drug-treated group had more dizziness (12.7% vs. 3.4%), headache (9.3% vs. 8.1%), and somnolence (6.0% vs. 2.7%), much of which improved after a few weeks (48).…”

A systematic review of non-hormonal treatments of vasomotor symptoms in climacteric and cancer patients

“…In two recent randomised placebo-controlled trial in 60 and 50 menopausal women, the effect of gabapentin on vasomotoric symptoms were further confirmed: In the first study (Saadati et al 2013 ), when given over 12 weeks, 900 mg gabapentin significantly decreased both HF frequency and severity (both p < 0.001). In the second study (Agarwal et al 2014 ), the results were confirmed in 50 post-menopausal women after 12 weeks treatment, which was then extended to 24 weeks.…”