ReviewDer Nervenarzt2026
[Benefits and risks of gabapentinoids in geriatric psychiatry].
Review in Der Nervenarzt, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 3 papers.
What it found
Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.
The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
3 citing papers in PubMed.
- Factors associated with prolonged use of newly prescribed gabapentinoids in older adults undergoing colorectal surgery.Perioperative medicine (London, England) · 2026Article
- Geriatric Psychodermatology: Current Concepts and Therapeutic Strategies.Dermatology and therapy · 2026Review
- Myofascial pain in older adults: a geroscience-informed framework integrating precision geriatrics and digital therapeutics.Frontiers in aging neuroscience · 2026Review
Corrections and comments
PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.
Authors and funding
1 author.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundGabapentinoids (gabapentin, pregabalin) are increasingly being prescribed and frequently in off-label indications. This applies also to older people.
objectiveThis article provides a current overview regarding the pharmacology, safety and tolerability and efficacy of gabapentinoids in psychogeriatric indications, particularly behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). MATERIAL AND
methodsA selective literature search was carried out in the databases PubMed and ScienceDirect using the search terms "gabapentin", "pregabalin", "dementia" and "elderly".
resultsThe precise mechanism of action of the gabapentinoids is unclear but is based on inhibition of the α2δ subunits of presynaptic voltage-gated calcium channels. Rapid onset of action, principally good tolerability, negligible hepatic metabolization, low interaction potential and efficacy in relevant comorbid disorders such as epilepsy, neuropathic pain syndrome and anxiety disorders can be beneficial in gerontopsychiatric patients; however, in older patients there is an increased risk of falls and fractures, respiratory depression and pneumonia, cognitive and functional impairments and possibly atrial fibrillation. Regarding BPSD only one randomized controlled trial (RCT, pregabalin), systematic reviews and case series/case reports are available, predominantly reporting good efficacy and tolerability of gabapentinoids. In addition, a positive RCT (pregabalin) concerning generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in older patients exists.
conclusionCurrently, sufficient evidence for a recommendation on gabapentinoids for the treatment of BPSD (or other off-label indications in geriatric psychiatry) or GAD in older patients is not available. In the case of insufficient efficacy of nonpharmacological interventions and substances with better evidence, gabapentinoids can be considered for the treatment of BPSD and GAD in older patients, particularly when the specific characteristics of gabapentinoids can be beneficial in a particular case; however, the specific risks should be considered.
Indexed as
Identifiers
40504234What OpenQuestion holds
Registered trials
Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.