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A Retrospective Chart Review of Gabapentin for the Treatment of Aggressive and Agitated Behavior in Patients With Dementias

Received December 2, 1998; revised October 12, 1999; accepted October 22, 1999. From the VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Mental Illness Research, Educational and Clinical Center, and the Department of Psychiatry, Stanford University, School of Medicine, Stanford, California. Address correspondence to Dr. Hawkins, Menlo Park Division (324C-MPD), VA Palo Alto Health Care System, 795 Willow Road, Menlo Park, CA 94025. e-mail: jwhawkins{at}stanford.edu

In a 24-patient case series from retrospective chart review, the authors examined the use of gabapentin for the treatment of aggressive and agitated behaviors in nursing home patients with a DSM-IV diagnosis of dementia. On Clinical Global Rating Scale scores, 17 of 22 patients were much or greatly improved; 4 were minimally improved; and only 1 remained unchanged. Two of the 24 patients discontinued use of the medication because of excessive sedation. No other significant side effects were noted in treatment lasting up to 2 years.

Key Words: Dementias (general) • Aggression/Agitation • Gabapentin