This review investigated the efficacy and tolerability of gabapentin for the treatment of hot flashes in menopausal women. Gabapentin was associated with reductions in the severity and frequency of hot flashes in menopausal women, but there was substantial variation in the results across the included trials. The authors' conclusions appear to be reliable based on the evidence presented. Gabapentin is usually used to control epilepsy or chronic nerve (neuropathic) pain. It is also a non-hormonal medicine that has been shown to be effective in reducing menopausal hot flushes. Gabapentin appears to be comparable with low dose oestrogen in reducing the frequency and severity of hot flushes.3 What is the usual dosage? In a 2016 overview, authors stated that doses of gabapentin for hot flashes range between 900–2,400 milligrams (mg) per day. Other studies have used doses as low as 100 mg and 300 mg Several studies have shown that gabapentin (Neurontin) at 600-2400 mg/day in divided doses is effective for treating hot flashes in menopausal women. Research presented at the annual meeting of the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) indicates that an investigational extended release (ER) formulation of gabapentin (Serada, Depomed) is effective for the treatment of hot flashes and sleep Several studies have shown that gabapentin (Neurontin) at 600-2400 mg/day in divided doses is effective for treating hot flashes in menopausal women. Gabapentin is usually used to control epilepsy or chronic nerve (neuropathic) pain. It is also a non-hormonal medicine that has been shown to be effective in reducing menopausal hot flushes. Gabapentin appears to be comparable with low dose oestrogen in reducing the frequency and severity of hot flushes1. What is the usual dosage? Talk to your healthcare professional about the pros and cons of treatments for hot flashes. If hot flashes don't bother you much, you likely don't need treatment. For most people, hot flashes go away slowly, even without treatment. But it can take several years for them to stop. Other agents that have been used to alleviate hot flashes include belladonna/ergotamine tartrate/phenobarbital combination, dong quai, evening primrose oil, gabapentin, ginseng, mirtazapine At doses used to control hot flashes, gabapentin was well tolerated, with drowsiness as its most reported adverse effect. Gabapentin can be considered effective in the treatment of hot flashes and should be considered a reasonable alternative when estrogen therapy is not desired. earched the PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases for English-language articles published until June, 2018. The following search terms were used: “menopause,” “hot flushes,” “vasomotor symptoms,” “gabapentin,” and “non-hormonal therapy.” Primary outcomes were frequency, duration, and composite score of hot flushes. Secondary outcomes were adverse effects and for treating hot flashes, after patients taking it for other indications incidentally noted improvement of hot flashes. Although it is an analogue of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and is used to treat neurologic disorders such as seizures and neuropathic pain, gabapentin does not affect GABA receptors directly, and its mechanism What is the gabapentin dosage for hot flashes? As the FDA hasn’t approved gabapentin for menopause, doctors must consider study results or their own clinical experience. The American Association of Family Physicians reports success with dosages between 900 and 2,400 mg daily. New findings were that low dose of gabapentin (300 mg/day) appears to be comparable with estrogen, in reducing the frequency and severity of hot flashes with very few adverse effects, GI disturbances. In studies, gabapentin reduced hot flashes from 45%-71% depending on the dose. In one, albeit small, clinical trial 2,400 mg of gabapentin divided three times a day was as effective as 0.625 mg of Premarin a day (which is a standard dose for hot flashes). Examining individual trials, the two trials that evaluated 900 mg/d of gabapentin reported that hot flashes were decreased by 45% to 50% (Fig 1E). 15,16 In the individual patient trial that studied 2,400 mg/d, hot flashes were reported to be reduced by approximately 80% (Fig 1E). 17 In this last trial, however, there was a much more substantial Gabapentin at 900 mg/day is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for hot flashes. Gabapentin for the treatment of menopausal hot flashes: a randomized controlled trial Menopause . In studies, gabapentin reduced hot flashes from 45%-71% depending on the dose. In one, albeit small, clinical trial 2,400 mg of gabapentin divided three times a day was as effective as 0.625 mg of Premarin a day (which is a standard dose for hot flashes). Nonapproved alternative agents include venlafaxine, fluoxetine, paroxetine, gabapentin, soy products, and herbs such as black cohosh. New estrogen products include lower-dose Prempro (conjugated equine estrogen 0.3 mg and medroxyprogesterone 1.5 mg), transdermal patches, estrogen lotion, and an intravaginal ring. Gabapentin presents a promising option for managing hot flashes, particularly for those who haven’t found relief through other treatments. By understanding its benefits, potential side effects, and proper administration, you can make informed decisions about its use. The data suggest that a dose of 600–900 mg/d of gabapentin is better for treating hot flashes than is 300 mg/d. This is demonstrated in Figure 2 , which shows that the 300 mg/d arm had further reductions of hot flash scores when patients were allowed to titrate their gabapentin dose upward, to a maximum of 900 mg/d.
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |