Ask Dr. Stephan Moll

These questions have been submitted by folks on the mailing list and answered by Dr. Moll, Director of the Thrombophilia Program at the Carolina Cardiovascular Biology Center, Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, UNC Chapel Hill (North Carolina, USA). Why am I doing this?

57. Neurontin for DVT-related chronic pain

Q: "What is your experience or opinion on the use of Neurontin® for DVT-related leg pain?"

A: Neurontin (= Gabapentin) has, to my knowledge, never been studied in patients with chronic leg pain due to post-thrombotic syndrome. I think it is reasonable to try it for a few months if the patient has significant pain not responsive to other measures (compression stocking, pain medication), and see whether the patient derives any benefit from it. Optimally, a study should be performed that would give Neurontin to half of the patients enrolled and a placebo to the other half, with enrolled patients not knowing which of the two they are getting (double blind randomized cross over trial).

Neurontin (= Gabapentin) is an anti-seizure medication that has also been found to be effective in chronic pain syndromes, peripheral neuropathy due to diabetes, and pain following herpes zoster infection (= post-herpetic neuralgia). The most common side effects are somnolence, dizziness, unsteady gait, and fatigue. These effects are usually mild to moderate in severity and resolve within 2 weeks of onset during continued treatment. Overall, Neurontin is well tolerated.

<< Back To Ask The Doctor...