Evaluation of gabapentin in management of hot flushes in postmenopausal women

This study was conducted to assess the efficacy of gabapentin in controlling hot flushes in postmenopausal women. Fifty postmenopausal patients with hot flushes were randomized in two groups, one receiving gabapentin 900 mg daily along with calcium and another group receiving calcium alone. Frequency, duration and severity of hot flushes were noted and a composite score was calculated. There was around an 80% reduction in composite score in the gabapentin group at 3 and 6 months; significantly more than the placebo group. Gabapentin has a two-fold better response than placebo in reducing hot flushes with the relief starting from the first month and maximum effect at 3 months.