Analysis of Gabapentin's Efficacy in Tinnitus Treatment: A Systematic Review. (March 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tavares, Matheus Pedrosa; Bahmad, Fayez
• Is Part Of: Annals of otology, rhinology & laryngology. Volume 131:Number 3(2022)
• Page Start: 303
• Page End: 311
• Publication Date: 2022-03
• Subjects: tinnitus -- subjective chronic tinnitus -- gabapentin -- anticonvulsants -- systematic review; Otolaryngology -- Periodicals; 617.51
• DOI: 10.1177/00034894211018921
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-4894

Abstract

Objectives: Tinnitus can be a chronic symptom that brings disability and distress. Some studies suggested that gabapentin might be effective on tinnitus relief. The objective of the study is to perform a systematic review in order to evaluate the efficacy of oral gabapentin in patients with tinnitus. Methods: A literature search was conducted in English and following the recommendations from PRISMA. The terms used were: ("tinnitus" OR "subjective tinnitus") AND ("gabapentin"). The study selection was performed following the eligibility criteria in accordance to the PICOS (population, intervention, comparison, outcome, study design) strategy—patients with tinnitus; oral gabapentin; placebo; reduction of tinnitus severity questionnaires scores; prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial, respectively. The selected studies were included in qualitative synthesis. The studies were analyzed according to Joanna Briggs Institute's critical appraisal checklist for randomized controlled trials. Results: One hundred twenty-one studies were found in 9 databases and 8 studies were found in gray literature. After study selection, 6 articles were read in full. Then, 2 studies were excluded and 4 were included in qualitative synthesis. All 4 articles were analyzed according to critical evaluation checklist. Conclusions: There is insufficient evidence to recommend the use of gabapentin for patients with tinnitus.