A rare case of a gabapentin-induced cardiomyopathy

J Clin Pharm Ther. 2019 Aug;44(4):644-646. doi: 10.1111/jcpt.12840. Epub 2019 Apr 9.

Abstract

What is known and objective: Gabapentin, a γ-aminobutyric acid derivative, is used for the treatment of partial onset seizures, postherpetic neuralgia, diabetic neuropathy and a host of other neurological disorders.

Case description: A 44-year-old woman with spinal stenosis was prescribed gabapentin for pain. Two months after initiating therapy, she was diagnosed with a new-onset non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy with an ejection fraction of 36% measured on a transthoracic echocardiogram.

What is new and conclusion: A patient with suspected gabapentin-induced cardiomyopathy is reported. However, to date, gabapentin therapy has not been associated with risk of the developing a cardiomyopathy.

Keywords: adverse effect; cardiomyopathy; cardiovascular disease.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cardiomyopathies / chemically induced*
  • Female
  • Gabapentin / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / adverse effects

Substances

  • gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
  • Gabapentin