How It Works
Gabapentin is an antiseizure (anticonvulsive) medication that is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for controlling epilepsy. How it works to improve hot flashes is not fully understood.
Why It Is Used
Low-dose gabapentin has recently been introduced as a treatment for hot flashes.
It addition to seizure control, gabapentin is also commonly used to treat chronic pain, migraine headache, panic disorder, and social phobia.1
How Well It Works
In recent, initial studies, gabapentin has been shown to reduce the number of hot flashes per day and the intensity of hot flashes.2
In a randomized, controlled study of 54 women:1
- Nearly 70% of women treated with gabapentin reported that their hot flashes improved by more than 50%.
- Nearly 40% of women treated with a placebo reported improvement of 50% or more.1 (There is a strong placebo effect in hot flash treatment studies, which suggests that the mind can also be used to help reduce hot flashes.)
Side Effects
Side effects from gabapentin include:
- Fatigue or drowsiness.
- Dizziness and lightheadedness, especially during the first couple weeks of treatment.
- Swelling of the hands and feet.
- Rash.
Side effects are less likely when the medication dose is gradually increased and when medication is taken with meals.1
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
Use of gabapentin for hot flashes is an off-label use.
In one study, women with more frequent hot flashes seemed to need higher doses of gabapentin to gain relief.1
Gabapentin has been studied for a treatment period of 12 weeks. Further research is needed to learn whether it continues to work for longer periods of time and at higher doses. The long-term risks or benefits of gabapentin, if any, are unknown.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF)
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References
Citations
Guttuso T Jr, et al. (2003). Gabapentin's effects on hot flashes in postmenopausal women: A randomized controlled trial. Obstetrics and Gynecology, 101(2): 337–345.
North American Menopause Society (2004). Treatment of menopause-associated vasomotor symptoms: Position statement of the North American Menopause Society. Menopause, 11(1): 11–33.
Credits
| Author | Kathe Gallagher, MSW |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman |
| Associate Editor | Terrina Vail |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Carla J. Herman, MD, MPH - Internal Medicine |
| Last Updated | May 26, 2006 |
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