R S Chudnow1, R B Dewey, C R Lawson. 1. Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship of gabapentin therapy with choreoathetotic movements in mentally retarded patients treated with intractable epilepsy. DESIGN: Case reports of 2 institutionalized patients who developed choreoathetosis temporally related to adjunctive therapy with gabapentin at dosages of 1200 to 1800 mg/d. RESULTS: Both patients experienced resolution of abnormal movements on discontinuation of the therapy. One patient developed recurrent choreiform movements after drug rechallenge. CONCLUSION: We suggest that, in patients with mental retardation and epilepsy, involuntary movements may either occur as reversible side effects of gabapentin therapy or result from a previously undescribed adverse drug interaction with other antiepileptic agents.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship of gabapentin therapy with choreoathetotic movements in mentally retardedpatients treated with intractable epilepsy. DESIGN: Case reports of 2 institutionalized patients who developed choreoathetosis temporally related to adjunctive therapy with gabapentin at dosages of 1200 to 1800 mg/d. RESULTS: Both patients experienced resolution of abnormal movements on discontinuation of the therapy. One patient developed recurrent choreiform movements after drug rechallenge. CONCLUSION: We suggest that, in patients with mental retardation and epilepsy, involuntary movements may either occur as reversible side effects of gabapentin therapy or result from a previously undescribed adverse drug interaction with other antiepileptic agents.
Authors: Theresa A Zesiewicz; W Reed Shimberg; Robert A Hauser; Wendy Robinson; Maria-Carmen Wilson; Kelly L Sullivan Journal: Clin Rheumatol Date: 2007-10-16 Impact factor: 2.980