Update on the use of gabapentin in painful and pruritic syndromes of dermatology

Authors: Muñoz, Claudia; Koo, John

Source: Expert Review of Dermatology, Volume 1, Number 6, December 2006 , pp. 799-804(6)

Publisher: Expert Reviews

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Abstract:

Gabapentin, known more commonly by the commercial name Neurontin^®, is an anticonvulsant drug approved by the US FDA for use in post-herpetic neuralgia. The mechanism of action of gabapentin is not understood. This article reviews the current use of gabapentin in dermatology and speculates on how it may possibly contribute to the treatment of conditions, such as acne excoriee, neurotic excoriation, dermatitis artefacta, delusional parasitosis, idiopathic pruritus and cutaneous dysesthesia. The literature suggests that gabapentin is effective in a variety of neuropathic skin conditions. Because there are so few therapeutic options for neurogenic or psychodermatological patients, gabapentin should be considered as a worthwhile addition to the dermatological armamentarium.

Keywords: gabapentin; Neurontin®; pain; post-herpetic neuralgia; pruritus

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1586/17469872.1.6.799

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