Does gabapentin help with muscle spasms
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Gabapentin for Muscle Spasms: Efficacy and Applications
Gabapentin and Muscle Spasms in Multiple Sclerosis
Gabapentin has been studied for its effectiveness in treating muscle spasms and spasticity in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). A double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study demonstrated that gabapentin significantly improved spasticity and painful muscle cramps in MS patients. The study used various scales, including the Ashworth Scale and the Visual Faces Scale, to measure outcomes, and found statistically significant improvements in these measures for patients treated with gabapentin at a dose of 400 mg three times daily1.
Gabapentin for Spasticity in Spinal Cord Injury
Research has also explored gabapentin's role in managing spasticity in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). A multi-center, placebo-controlled, crossover clinical trial involving six men with SCI found that while group results did not reach statistical significance at the dosage used (400 mg three times daily), individual cases showed notable improvements. Higher doses of gabapentin (up to 3600 mg/day) during an open-label extension phase provided greater control of spasticity, suggesting that higher doses may be more effective2. Another study with 25 SCI patients confirmed that gabapentin significantly reduced spasticity as measured by the Ashworth Scale and patient ratings7.
Gabapentin's Effectiveness in Upper Motor Neuron Syndrome
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 30 patients with upper motor neuron syndrome showed that gabapentin at doses between 2700 and 3600 mg/day significantly improved spasticity as measured by the Ashworth Scale. Although the total Spasm Frequency Scale score did not show significant differences between the gabapentin and placebo groups, individual muscle group analysis revealed significant improvements with gabapentin4.
Gabapentin for Isaacs' Syndrome and Hemifacial Spasm
Gabapentin has also been effective in treating muscle spasms associated with Isaacs' syndrome and hemifacial spasm. In a case of Isaacs' syndrome, gabapentin provided dramatic improvement in muscle spasms and stiffness, as evidenced by decreased spontaneous motor-unit activity in electrodiagnostic studies5. Additionally, gabapentin was found to be effective in reducing hemifacial spasms in patients who were not suitable for surgery or botulinum toxin therapy, with significant reductions in spasm frequency and severity6 8.
Gabapentin for Muscle Cramps
An open-label trial involving 30 patients with frequent muscle cramps demonstrated that gabapentin significantly reduced the frequency and severity of muscle cramps and associated sleep disturbances. The study found that a dose of 600-1200 mg/day was effective, with many patients experiencing total remission of symptoms after three months of therapy10.
Conclusion
Gabapentin has shown promise in treating muscle spasms and spasticity across various conditions, including multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, upper motor neuron syndrome, Isaacs' syndrome, and hemifacial spasm. While lower doses may provide some benefit, higher doses appear to offer greater control of symptoms. These findings suggest that gabapentin could be a valuable option for managing muscle spasms, though further research, particularly with higher doses, is warranted to fully establish its efficacy.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Gabapentin for relief of upper motor neuron symptoms in multiple sclerosis.
At a dose of 400mg orally three times a day, gabapentin may be of value in treating spasticity and painful muscle cramping in patients with multiple sclerosis.
RCT
Highly CitedEffectiveness of gabapentin in controlling spasticity: a quantitative study
Gabapentin at 400 mg T.I.D. may be effective in controlling some features of spasticity in persons with spinal cord injury, but higher doses provide greater control.
RCTGabapentin effect on spasticity in multiple sclerosis: a placebo-controlled, randomized trial.
Gabapentin effectively reduces spasticity impairment in multiple sclerosis patients without worsening concentration or fatigue.
RCTHighly Cited[Gabapentin for spasticity: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial].
Gabapentin is an effective and safe treatment for spasticity in upper motor neuron syndrome patients, with doses between 2,700 and 3,600 mg/day.
RCTIsaacs' syndrome: Clinical and electrophysiological response to gabapentin
Gabapentin is an effective treatment for Isaacs' syndrome, reducing muscle spasms and twitching and preventing M-wave afterdischarges in nerve conduction studies.
Case ReportGabapentin as Treatment for Hemifacial Spasm
Gabapentin is an effective treatment for hemifacial spasm with a good ratio of therapeutic effects to side effects compared to other drugs currently used.
Case ReportGabapentin for the treatment of spasticity in patients with spinal cord injury
Gabapentin may be useful in managing spasticity in patients with spinal cord injury, reducing spasticity by 11% and 20% in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
RCTHighly CitedGabapentin in the treatment of hemifacial spasm
Gabapentin effectively and safely reduces hemifacial spasm in 69.6% of patients without surgery or botulinum toxin therapy.
Non-RCTA study to evaluate the skeletal muscle relaxant property of Pregabalin and Gabapentin in albino rats
Pregabalin and Gabapentin show skeletal muscle relaxant properties in rats comparable to Diazepam, offering a new avenue for their use as skeletal muscle relaxants after clinical trials.
RCT
Animal StudyGabapentin Treatment for Muscle Cramps: An Open-Label Trial
A dose of 600-1200 mg/d of gabapentin effectively reduces muscle cramp frequency and severity, with a 90% success rate after 3 months of therapy.
Non-RCT