Gabapentin has become a go-to option across a wide range of clinical scenarios—but how well does it actually hold up under closer scrutiny?

In this episode, Don Weinberger and Steve Small take a closer look at how gabapentin performs in real-world use—and where expectations may not match the data.

• 🧠Does gabapentin meaningfully improve neuropathic pain outcomes—or are we overestimating its impact in everyday practice?
• ⚠️ How should clinicians interpret safety concerns like dependence, cognitive effects, and mood changes when counseling patients?
• 🔍 Are we using gabapentin for the right types of pain—or defaulting to it when evidence is limited?

We’ll break down the data, challenge common assumptions, and follow the evidence wherever it leads—so you can separate clinical signal from background noise when evaluating gabapentin.

Key claims explored in this episode include:

• Gabapentin is modestly effective for neuropathic pain
• Gabapentin is addictive
• Gabapentin causes dementia
• Gabapentin is associated with suicidal behavior

You’ll also get quick clinical insights on:

• Cardiovascular risk signals linked to gabapentin use
• Whether gabapentin plays a role in treating anxiety disorders

🏷️ Our listeners can get 10% off a new or upgraded subscription with code rvt1026 at checkout. 

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TRC Healthcare Editor Hosts:

• Stephen Small, PharmD, BCPS, BCPPS, BCCCP, CNSC 
• Don Weinberger, PharmD, PMSP

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Guest: 

• Adam Kaye, PharmD, FASCP, FCPhA

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CE Information:

None of the speakers have anything to disclose. 

TRC Healthcare offers CE credit for this podcast for subscribers at our platinum level or higher. Log in to your Pharmacist’s Letter, Pharmacy Technician’s Letter,or Prescriber Insights account and look for the title of this podcast in the list of available CE courses.

Claim Credit

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The clinical resources mentioned during the podcast are part of a subscription to Pharmacist’s Letter, Pharmacy Technician’s Letter, and Prescriber Insights: 

• Chart: Pharmacotherapy of Neuropathic Pain
• FAQ: Treating Fibromyalgia
• CE: Controlled Substance Prescription Validation
• Chart: Potentially Harmful Drugs: Beers Criteria
• Algorithm: Treatment of Hypertension
• Chart: Pharmacotherapy of Anxiety Disorders

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Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - Call or Text: 988

https://988lifeline.org/

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🎓 If you're a student, good news—students can access a free version of Pharmacist’s Letter.  

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Rumor vs Truth is a production of TRC Healthcare.

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