Comparative Efficacy of Gabapentin Monotherapy and Combination Therapy for the Management of Radiating Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial


Authors : Utkarsh Patel

Volume/Issue : Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 1 - January


Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/4357zt2h

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/3snd83c9

DOI : https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14759706


Abstract : Radiating discomfort greatly affects life quality and presents challenges for effective management. Gabapentin, a primary drug used for neuropathic discomfort, is essential in controlling pain. Nevertheless, the relative effectiveness of gabapentin alone compared to combination therapy (Ultracet or Akilose P) in treating radiating pain is still undetermined. This observational study aimed to evaluate and compare the treatment outcomes of gabapentin monotherapy and combination therapy for the control of widespread pain. A review was carried out on 100 individuals diagnosed with radiating discomfort, all of whom received treatment for four weeks at a specialized pain management facility. Information was gathered from the patients’ files, covering initial pain ratings, weekly VAS scores, and demographic details. Statistical evaluations were conducted using Welch’s t-test alongside descriptive statistics. In the gabapentin-only group, the average pain rating fell from 11.11 (at the start) to 5.10 (by week 4), indicating a 54.05% improvement. Likewise, the combination therapy group experienced a decline from 10.34 to 6.00, showing a 42.03% improvement. The difference between both groups was not statistically relevant (t=0.6818, p=0.4590). However, gabapentin alone exhibited superior tolerability and fewer adverse effects. The research emphasizes that gabapentin as a standalone treatment achieves significant pain reduction and is a more favorable long-term option due to its lower adverse effect profile. It is suggested that further studies with larger populations and longer timeframes are necessary to confirm these results and enhance treatment approaches.

Keywords : Radiating Pain, Gabapentin, Monotherapy, Combination Therapy, Randomized Controlled Trial, Visual Analog Scale.

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Radiating discomfort greatly affects life quality and presents challenges for effective management. Gabapentin, a primary drug used for neuropathic discomfort, is essential in controlling pain. Nevertheless, the relative effectiveness of gabapentin alone compared to combination therapy (Ultracet or Akilose P) in treating radiating pain is still undetermined. This observational study aimed to evaluate and compare the treatment outcomes of gabapentin monotherapy and combination therapy for the control of widespread pain. A review was carried out on 100 individuals diagnosed with radiating discomfort, all of whom received treatment for four weeks at a specialized pain management facility. Information was gathered from the patients’ files, covering initial pain ratings, weekly VAS scores, and demographic details. Statistical evaluations were conducted using Welch’s t-test alongside descriptive statistics. In the gabapentin-only group, the average pain rating fell from 11.11 (at the start) to 5.10 (by week 4), indicating a 54.05% improvement. Likewise, the combination therapy group experienced a decline from 10.34 to 6.00, showing a 42.03% improvement. The difference between both groups was not statistically relevant (t=0.6818, p=0.4590). However, gabapentin alone exhibited superior tolerability and fewer adverse effects. The research emphasizes that gabapentin as a standalone treatment achieves significant pain reduction and is a more favorable long-term option due to its lower adverse effect profile. It is suggested that further studies with larger populations and longer timeframes are necessary to confirm these results and enhance treatment approaches.

Keywords : Radiating Pain, Gabapentin, Monotherapy, Combination Therapy, Randomized Controlled Trial, Visual Analog Scale.

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