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Therapeutics
Review: anticonvulsant drugs relieve chronic but not acute pain

https://doi.org/10.1136/ebm.6.2.51

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    . Wiffen P, Collins S, McQuay H, et al. Anticonvulsant drugs for acute and chronic pain. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2000;(3):CD001133 (latest version 23 May 2000)..

    
 
 QUESTION: In patients with acute or chronic pain, how effective are anticonvulsant drugs in providing pain relief?

    Data sources

    Studies were identified by searching Medline (1966 to July 1999), EMBASE/Excerpta Medica (1994 to July 1999), SIGLE (1980 to July 1999), the Cochrane Library, and the reference lists of relevant studies and by contacting investigators in the field. 40 medical journals were also handsearched for the period between 1950 and 1990.

    Study selection

    Studies were selected if they were randomised controlled trials that investigated the analgesic effects of anticonvulsant drugs in adults and if pain assessment was an outcome measure. Studies of migraine or headache were excluded.

    Data extraction

    Data were extracted on number of patients, anticonvulsant drug and dosing regimen, pain condition, study design (placebo or active control), study duration and follow up, …

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    Footnotes

    • Source of funding: Marie Curie Cancer Care; Oxford Regional Health Authority; Pain Research Funds (UK).

    • For correspondence: Mr P Wiffen, Cochrane Pain, Palliative and Supportive Care CRG, Pain Research Unit, Churchill Hospital, Old Road, Oxford OX3 7LJ, UK. Fax +44 (0)1865 225400.