Effects of gabapentin on cognition and quality of life in patients with epilepsy

The effect of gabapentin on cognition and quality of life (QoL) in patients with epilepsy was investigated using a controlled pre- and post-treatment design. Thirty patients with chronic epilepsy were administered a battery of cognitive tests and QoL measures at baseline (pre-treatment) and again following 1-2 months of treatment (post-treatment). All patients were receiving anticonvulsant medication at baseline. Following baseline assessment, 15 patients were started on gabapentin as add-on therapy (gabapentin group), and 15 patients remained on stable medication (control group). No between-group treatment effects were demonstrated on any of the mood measures. A significant between-group treatment effect was demonstrated on one cognitive measure, in favour of the gabapentin group. Results do not suggest any adverse short-term effects of gabapentin on cognition or QoL in patients with chronic epilepsy.