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Gabapentin is effective in treating nocturnal painful spasms in multiple sclerosis

Department of Social and Health Services and Research, Italian M.S. Society, Italy, Department of Neurological Sciences and Rehabilitation, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy

M Messmer Uccelli

Department of Social and Health Services and Research, Italian M.S. Society, Italy

P Guglieri

Department of Social and Health Services and Research, Italian M.S. Society, Italy

A Uccelli

Department of Neurological Sciences and Rehabilitation, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy

G L Mancardi

Department of Neurological Sciences and Rehabilitation, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy

In-patients with MS nocturnal spasms (NPS) occur frequently, primarily during the night and may influence the ability to and/or quality of sleep. We enrolled in an open label trial with GBP (up to 600 mg/day) 24 MS patients with NPS. We obtained patient reports of subjective discomfort at pre-treatment and following 2- (T1) and 8 weeks (T2), utilizing a 3-point analogue scale. Twenty of the 22 patients who completed the study reported resolution or amelioration of discomfort. Clinical improvement occurred 1-5 days following initial treatment. Three patients experienced adverse effects but completed the minimal follow-up period (2 weeks). Two patient dropped out of the study due to no compliance or adverse effects. A very low dose of GBP may be effective treatment for MS patients with NPS who may benefit from rapid improvement of discomfort with minimal risk of adverse effects.

Key Words: Multiple sclerosis • gabapentin • nocturnal painful spasms

Multiple Sclerosis, Vol. 6, No. 3, 192-193 (2000)
DOI: 10.1177/135245850000600310


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