Gabapentin, brand name drugs include Neurontin and Gabarone, may be an effective treatment for symptoms associated with fibromyalgia. According to study results which appeared in the April 2007 issue of Arthritis & Rheumatism, fibromyalgia patients taking gabapentin at dosages of 1,200 to 2,400 mg. daily for 12 weeks experienced significantly less pain than patients taking placebo. Patients taking gabapentin also reported significantly better sleep and less fatigue.

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The study, sponsored by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), involved 150 women and men. Researchers are not sure how gabapentin, a drug which is used to treat certain types of seizures, reduces pain. While the drug appears to be effective for relieving fibromyalgia pain, it has little effect on acute pain. Gabapentin was well-tolerated by most study participants. Common side effects included mild to moderate dizziness and sedation.

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