Abstract | BACKGROUND: New medication is needed to treat essential tremor. Preliminary evidence suggests that gabapentin may be effective in the treatment of this disorder. OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of gabapentin in a comparative, double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled trial of patients who have essential tremor. PATIENTS AND METHODS: MAJOR OUTCOME MEASURES: Major outcome evaluations consisted of a Tremor Clinical Rating Scale, accelerometric recordings, and a self-reported disability scale obtained before drug intake on study days 1 and 15 of each treatment period. In addition, the initial (day 1) and superimposed (day 15) drug effects were studied before and 2, 4, 6, and 8 hours after drug intake. RESULTS: At day 15, both gabapentin and propranolol demonstrated significant and comparable efficacy in reducing tremor from baseline in all tremor measures. The initial drug effects evaluated through accelerometry revealed no significant changes with the use of a placebo, but gabapentin and propranolol use significantly reduced tremor power. CONCLUSION:
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Authors | A Gironell, J Kulisevsky, M Barbanoj, D López-Villegas, G Hernández, B Pascual-Sedano |
Journal | Archives of neurology
(Arch Neurol)
Vol. 56
Issue 4
Pg. 475-80
(Apr 1999)
ISSN: 0003-9942 [Print] United States |
PMID | 10199338
(Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Chemical References |
- Acetates
- Amines
- Antiparkinson Agents
- Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids
- Sympatholytics
- gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
- Gabapentin
- Propranolol
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Topics |
- Acetates
(therapeutic use)
- Administration, Oral
- Aged
- Amines
- Antiparkinson Agents
(therapeutic use)
- Cross-Over Studies
- Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids
- Double-Blind Method
- Female
- Gabapentin
- Humans
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Propranolol
(therapeutic use)
- Sympatholytics
(therapeutic use)
- Treatment Outcome
- Tremor
(drug therapy, pathology, physiopathology)
- gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
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