Gabapentin for hot flashes

Examples

---

Brand Name	Generic Name
Neurontin	gabapentin

How It Works

---

Gabapentin is an antiseizure (anticonvulsive) medicine that is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for controlling epilepsy. How it works to improve hot flashes is not fully understood.

Why It Is Used

---

Gabapentin may be used to treat hot flashes.

It addition to seizure control, gabapentin is also commonly used to treat chronic pain, migraine headache, panic disorder, and social phobia.

How Well It Works

---

Gabapentin may lower the number of hot flashes each day and the intensity of hot flashes.^{1 2}

Side Effects

---

Side effects from gabapentin include:

• Fatigue or drowsiness.
• Dizziness and lightheadedness, especially during the first couple of weeks of treatment.
• Swelling of the hands and feet.
• Rash.
• Nausea.

Side effects are less likely when the dose is gradually increased and when medicine is taken with meals.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning on antiseizure medicines and the risk of suicide and suicidal thoughts. The FDA does not recommend that people stop using these medicines. Instead, people who take antiseizure medicine should be watched closely for warning signs of suicide. People who take antiseizure medicine and who are worried about this side effect should talk to a doctor.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

What To Think About

---

Use of gabapentin for hot flashes is an off-label use.

The long-term risks or benefits of gabapentin are unknown.

Complete the new medication information form (PDF) (What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.

References

---

Citations

1. Pandya KJ, et al. (2005). Gabapentin for hot flashes in 420 women with breast cancer: A randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Lancet, 366(9488): 818–824.

2. Reddy SY, et al. (2006). Gabapentin, estrogen, and placebo for treating hot flushes. Obstetrics and Gynecology, 108(1): 41–48.

Credits

---

Author	Robin Parks, MS
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor	Maria Essig
Associate Editor	Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Last Updated	May 16, 2008