1. [Whether or not to use gabapentinoids in adults with chronic neuropathic pain].
- Author
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van Poelgeest EP, El Houssein L, Kallewaard J, Hollmann MW, Steegers MAH, and Wartenberg HCH
- Subjects
- Adult, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Diabetic Neuropathies drug therapy, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Neuralgia, Postherpetic drug therapy, Quality of Life, Analgesics therapeutic use, Chronic Pain drug therapy, Gabapentin therapeutic use, Neuralgia drug therapy, Pain Management methods
- Abstract
Case Description: A frail 85-year-old woman with chronic neuropathic pain after hip surgery, not responding to treatment with acetaminophen and morphine patches. Should she be prescribed a gabapentinoid?, Discussion: Gabapentinoids and antidepressants are considered first-line therapies. They achieve clinically relevant (i.e. ≥ 50%) pain reduction in approximately one-third of patients with postherpetic neuralgia and peripheral diabetic neuropathy. Evidence for other types of neuropathic pain is limited. Adverse events occur frequently and are mostly mild in nature; serious adverse effects are rare. Prescription of gabapentinoids in specific patient groups (e.g. elderly patients and patients with a history of depression or substance abuse) deserves careful consideration, because the risk/benefit ratio in those groups may be altered. In order to reduce the risk of withdrawal symptoms, slow tapering is recommended., Conclusion: Chronic neuropathic pain often has a negative impact on the quality of life and is difficult to treat. In general, treatment with a gabapentinoid is a possible first-line treatment option. However, they may be relatively contraindicated in vulnerable patients.
- Published
- 2020