Neutropenia occurring after starting gabapentin for neuropathic pain
Received 7 May 2004; received in revised form 21 June 2004; accepted 22 June 2004.
Abstract
We report a case of neutropenia occurring in a patient receiving gabapentin for neuropathic pain. Five weeks after treatment started, the patient was admitted to hospital with neutropenic sepsis. Gabapentin is widely used, and neutropenia is a rare adverse effect. This case highlights a serious and potential life-threatening complication.
Rusthall Medical Centre, Nellington Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 8UW, UK
Author for correspondence: Dr Emma Derbyshire, GP Registrar to Dr K. Finlay, Rusthall Medical Centre, Nellington Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 8UW. Tel: +44-1892-515779; Fax: +44-1892-532256.