Background: Preliminary clinical studies have suggested that gabapentin may produce analgesia and reduce the need for opioids in postoperative patients. The aim of the present study was to investigate the opioid-sparing and analgesic effects of gabapentin administered during the first 24h after surgery.

Materials & Methods: In a randomized, single-blind study 196 patients assigned to two groups receiving gabapentin (n=102) or placebo (n=94). Oral gabapentin 1200 mg or placebo, 2h before surgery, followed by oral gabapentin 600 mg or placebo 8, 16 and 24 h after the initial dose. Patients requesting analgesia received it with pethidine at dose of 25 mg ) iv). Total pethidine consumption for each patient was recorded from zero to 24h postoperatively. Pain was assessed on a visual analogue scale (VAS), and vomiting, dizziness and somnolence were assessed.

Results: Gabapentin reduced total pethidine consumption (P<0.001) and postoperative pain as well (P<0.001). It was associated with a significant increase in somnolence (P=0.007) and dizziness (P=0.019), however, no significant difference in vomiting (P=0.075) was observed.

Conclusion: A total dose of 3000 mg gabapentin before and during the first 24h after surgery, reduces pain score and pethidine consumption, and increases the incidence of somnolence and dizziness.