Gabapentin Treatment of Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (PoTS)

• Status: Completed
• Trial end date: 2017-09-01
• Target enrollment: 0
• Participant gender: All

Summary

In this pilot study, the investigator will test the usefulness of gabapentin in treating some of the symptoms associated with POTS. Gabapentin is FDA-approved to treat epilepsy and nerve pain and works by reducing excessive activity in the nervous system. This medication has also been shown to be effective in reducing bowel discomfort in patients with irritable bowel syndrome, sleeplessness, and possibly migraine headache. The investigator has observed positive results when prescribing gabapentin off-label to alleviate photosensitivity and headaches in POTS patients. The aim of this pilot study is to better quantify what the investigator has seen and evaluate whether it merits further study in a larger group.

• Phase: N/A
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers?: No

Details

• Lead Sponsor: Medstar Health Research Institute
• Treatments: Gabapentin

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adults between the ages of 18 and 60 years of age

• For women of childbearing age, no missed menstrual cycles

• Diagnosis of POTS confirmed by the PI after autonomic function tests

• Able to discontinue GABAergic drugs, beta blockers, and sleep medication for one week before study start-up and for the duration of the study

• Able to read and understand English

Exclusion Criteria:

• Men and women under 18 and over 60 years of age

• Unable to read or understand English

• A history of gastroparesis, renal or hepatic dysfunction, cardiac arrhythmias, eye disorders and sleep apnea