Research undertaken at The Multiple Sclerosis Center of the Denver Veterans Affairs Medical Center has found that gabapentin not only reduces spasticity in MS patients, but is able to do so without side effects of worsening concentration, fatigue, and diminished well-being.

The study involved 19 men and 2 women ranging in age from 34 to 67 years who were studied for 26 days using various disability measurement and physician-administered scales. The two questions being studied were 1) how participants' spasticity responded a base dosage of gabapentin, and 2) how participants responded to higher dosages of gabapentin. In addition to finding that gabapentin did, in fact, have a positive impact on spasticity reduction for MS patients without the negative side effects, the survey authors also recommended further study of the long-term effectiveness of gabapentin for spasticity not only among MS patients, but also for spasticity related to other causes, such as brain injury.

For further information: "Gabapentin effect on spasticity in multiple sclerosis: A placebo-controlled, randomized trial," N. Cutter, MD, PT; D. Scott, MD; J. Johnson, MA; and G. Whitneck, PhD, Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, volume 81, February 2000.