Citation Information :
Atal P, Pingoliya SK, Saji S. Evaluating the Effects of Pregabalin, Gabapentin, and Amitriptyline for Treatment of Neuropathic Pain in Cancer Patients. J Mahatma Gandhi Univ Med Sci Tech 2023; 8 (1):16-19.
Background: The quality of life and regular functioning of cancer patients can be severely compromised by pain. Due to direct nerve invasion, plexus compression, adverse effects from radiation, chemotherapy, or surgery, and cancer pain, neuropathic pain is commonly recognized as a consequence. Improvements in psychological and functional well-being as well as overall quality of life depend on neuropathic pain relief.
Materials and methods: A total of 90 patients were randomly divided into three groups based on the treatment: group P (pregabalin), group G (gabapentin), and group A (amitriptyline). The intensity of pain was measured using numerical rating scale (NRS) and Douleur Neuropathic 4 (DN4) questionnaire, which was used to evaluate neuropathic component. Changes in pain and neuropathic component were assessed at the baseline and after 4th week of follow-up. Data was collected and analyzed using SPSS 20.0 software at level of significance being p < 0.05.
Results: At baseline, the mean ± SD of NRS score in group P was 7.20 ± 0.79, in group G was 7.27 ± 0.92, and in group A was 7.06 ± 0.53. In 4th week, the mean ± SD of NRS score in group P was 3.66 ± 0.69, in group G was 3.53 ± 0.45, and in group A was 3.83 ± 0.78. At baseline, the mean ± SD of DN4 score in group P was 7.13 ± 0.80, in group G was 7.37 ± 0.92, and in group A was 6.93 ± 0.85. In 4th week, the mean ± SD of DN4 score in group P was 3.93 ± 0.62, in group G was 3.73 ± 0.52 and in group A was 4.46 ± 0.92.
Conclusion: Cancer patients with neuropathic pain respond well to amitriptyline, gabapentin, and pregabalin treatments. However, compared to pregabalin and amitriptyline, gabapentin was found to be more efficacious and to have better patient compliance.
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