Research trials find Gabapentin ineffective

Released on = July 9, 2007, 8:20 am

Press Release Author = BeyondPR

Industry = Healthcare

Press Release Summary = Gabapentin is no more effective than a placebo in
alleviating tinnitus, say researchers who investigated if Gabapentin - widely used
to relieve nerve pain - would be therapeutic for tinnitus sufferers.

Press Release Body = Gabapentin is no more effective than a placebo in alleviating
tinnitus, say researchers who investigated if Gabapentin - widely used to relieve
nerve pain - would be therapeutic for tinnitus sufferers.
During the eight-week trial, 59 participants took 900 to 3600 mg of Gabapentin daily
and 56 received placebo (an inactive pill). Researchers measuring changes in
tinnitus and tinnitus distress found no significant differences in tinnitus volume
or tinnitus distress between patients who took Gabapentin and those who took a
placebo.
Tinnitus is described as the noises that some people hear \'in their ears\' or \'in
their head\'. These noises can take many forms, with descriptions ranging from
whistling, humming and tissue paper rustling to kettles boiling. Some people hear
their noises as tunes and melodies. The common factor with all these sounds is that
they do not originate from an external source.
\"Our primary goal at Action for Tinnitus Research is to generate enough funds to do
the necessary research in the UK to find treatments and cures. The reported failure
of Gabapentin means that it is more imperative than ever that we keep searching for
new treatments and cures to help tinnitus sufferers,\" said operations director, Nick
Doughty.
Action for Tinnitus Research is calling for a dedicated research programme in the UK
to investigate drugs further, and to validate their long-term effectiveness in
treating tinnitus. This concerted global approach to research will offer new hope
for the millions of tinnitus sufferers worldwide.
Nearly all the causes of tinnitus are benign and in many cases, tinnitus is a
natural part of the ageing process. However, as decibel levels in today\'s
environment rise, tinnitus is increasingly affecting younger people. Noise is not
the only cause of tinnitus, but it can be a contributing factor. More research is
needed to understand the causes of tinnitus.
A conservative estimate is that over five million people in the UK are affected by
tinnitus. For over ½ million people it has a severe effect on their quality of life.
For many of these people it affects their ability to lead a normal life, and can be
severely debilitating. Well known sufferers include Phil Collins, Pete Townshend,
William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, Danny McNamara (Embrace), and Jack Straw.
For more information on Action for Tinnitus Research, log on to the website at
www.tinnitus-research.org, e-mail help@tinnitus-research.org or telephone 0115 925 4065
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Web Site = http://www.tinnitus-research.org

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