Paper
The anticonvulsant compound gabapentin possesses anxiolytic but not amnesic effects in rats
Published Apr 1, 2000 · F. de-Paris, J. V. Busnello, M. Vianna
Behavioural Pharmacology
75
Citations
2
Influential Citations
Abstract
This report describes the effects of the antiepileptic agent gabapentin on anxiety and memory. Male Wistar rats received intraperitoneal administrations of gabapentin (10, 30 and 100 mg/kg), diazepam (1 mg/kg), saline or diazepam vehicle 30 minutes prior to experimental procedures. Animals were: (1) tested on step‐down inhibitory avoidance (footshock 0.3 mA) and habituation to an open‐field for memory assessment; and (2) submitted to the elevated plus‐maze to evaluate the potential anxiolytic effects of gabapentin. Animals treated with gabapentin showed a reduction in anxiety similar to the that observed in animals treated with diazepam. Memory was not affected by gabapentin in any of the tests, but was impaired by diazepam. The lack of effects of gabapentin on memory suggest a potential advantage of this drug over compounds with previously known anxiolytic property, which have amnesic effects at doses used for the treatment of anxiety disorders.
Non-RCT
Animal Study
Highly CitedGabapentin reduces anxiety in rats without impairing memory, suggesting a potential advantage over compounds with known anxiolytic properties that have amnesic effects.
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