Does gabapentin lower blood pressure
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Gabapentin and Its Effects on Blood Pressure
Introduction to Gabapentin and Blood Pressure
Gabapentin, a ligand of the α2δ subunit of voltage-dependent calcium channels (VDCCs), is primarily used for treating neuropathic pain and partial seizures. Recent studies have explored its potential effects on blood pressure (BP), particularly in hypertensive models. This article synthesizes findings from various research studies to determine whether gabapentin can lower blood pressure.
Acute Effects of Gabapentin on Blood Pressure
Hemodynamic Response in Hypertensive Rats
Research on spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) has shown that acute administration of gabapentin significantly lowers blood pressure and heart rate. This effect is more pronounced in SHR compared to normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats. The reduction in BP is associated with decreased plasma norepinephrine levels and reduced sympathetic nerve transmission, indicating that gabapentin's hypotensive effect is mediated through the sympathetic nervous system 12.
Role of the Nucleus Tractus Solitarii
Another study highlighted the role of the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) in the central nervous system, which is crucial for cardiovascular control. Microinjection of gabapentin into the NTS of SHR resulted in dose-related decreases in BP and heart rate. These effects were attenuated by the administration of a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, suggesting that gabapentin modulates BP through nitric oxide signaling in the NTS .
Chronic Effects of Gabapentin on Blood Pressure
Long-term Administration in Rats
While acute administration of gabapentin has clear hypotensive effects, chronic administration does not maintain this effect. In SHR, chronic gabapentin treatment did not result in sustained BP reduction, indicating that its hypotensive effects are primarily acute . Additionally, chronic gabapentin treatment in rats led to hypotension, bradycardia, and left ventricular systolic dysfunction, suggesting potential adverse cardiovascular effects with long-term use .
Gabapentin in Clinical Settings
Effects During Surgical Procedures
Gabapentin has been studied for its ability to attenuate the cardiovascular responses to laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation, which typically cause transient increases in BP and heart rate. Studies have shown that preoperative administration of gabapentin significantly blunts these pressor responses, reducing both systolic and diastolic BP during and after intubation 6710. This effect is dose-dependent, with higher doses (e.g., 800 mg) being more effective .
Ambulatory Blood Pressure in Cats
In a study involving cats, gabapentin did not significantly affect ambulatory systolic BP in either at-home or in-clinic environments. This suggests that while gabapentin may have acute hypotensive effects in certain settings, it does not consistently lower BP across different conditions .
Conclusion
Gabapentin has been shown to lower blood pressure acutely in hypertensive models, primarily through mechanisms involving the sympathetic nervous system and central nitric oxide signaling. However, its chronic use does not sustain these hypotensive effects and may even lead to adverse cardiovascular outcomes. In clinical settings, gabapentin effectively attenuates the pressor response to surgical procedures, highlighting its potential utility in managing perioperative hypertension. Further research is needed to fully understand the long-term cardiovascular implications of gabapentin use.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic