Gabapentin in the treatment of migraine and epilepsy comorbid with mood and anxiety disorders

Abstract

This open prospective study assessed the use of gabapentin in migraine and epilepsy comorbid with mood and anxiety disorders. After a 4-week baseline period, gabapentin was used as adjunctive treatment in 14 adult patients with both epilepsy and migraine disorders for 3 months. The outcomes were compared with a control group of 14 sex-matched patients with the same disorders, not treated with gabapentin. Both groups were assessed on the Cornell dysthymia rating scale (CDRS), Beck depression inventory (BDI), and Hamilton anxiety scale. A total of 8 (57%) gabapentin-treated patients showed a significant improvement in migraine vs. 3 (21.4%) of the controls. In comparison with controls, the gabapentin-treated group had a significant decrease in CDRS and BDI scores (p<0.05). The results suggest a particular role for gabapentin in the treatment of patients with both epilepsy and migraine comorbid with mood and anxiety disorders.