Effects of gabapentin on sleep in menopausal women with hot flashes as measured by a Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index factor scoring model.

Author(s): Yurcheshen ME, Guttuso T Jr, McDermott M, Holloway RG, Perlis M

Affiliation(s): Department of Neurology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Strong Sleep Disorders Center, Rochester, New York 14618, USA. Michael_Yurcheshen@urmc.rochester.edu

Publication date & source: 2009-09, J Womens Health (Larchmt)., 18(9):1355-60.

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OBJECTIVE: The aim of this research was to analyze gabapentin's effect on Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores in menopausal women. METHODS: Secondary analysis of data from a cohort of menopausal women participating in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of gabapentin 300 mg three times daily (TID) for hot flashes. The outcomes of interest were PSQI global and factor scores at weeks 4 and 12. RESULTS: Subjects randomized to gabapentin demonstrated improvement in the sleep quality factor score, compared to placebo-treated subjects, at 4 and 12 weeks (p < 0.03). There was also gabapentin-associated improvement in the global PSQI score (p = 0.004) and the sleep efficiency factor score (p = 0.05) at 4 weeks. There was no significant effect of gabapentin on the daily disturbance factor score. CONCLUSIONS: Gabapentin may improve sleep quality in menopausal women with hot flashes. These results warrant further prospective investigation, with an emphasis on measuring subjective sleep quality and maintenance.