Background: Gabapentin was introduced in 1980 as an adjuvant anti–convulsant drug for the treatment of refractory partial seizures. Subsequently, it was shown to be effective in treating a variety of chronic pain conditions, (Mao et al, 2000)¹. In 2002, Gabapentin was approved by the US FDA for the treatment of post–herpetic neuralgia.

Aims and Objective: Our study aims to evaluate the effect of preoperative oral Gabapentin on postoperative pain relief and also to evaluate the adverse effects of Gabapentin, if any.

Materials and methods: A prospective, randomized, placebo controlled, double blind clinical study was conducted on 60 normotensive patients (30 in each group), of either sex, undergoing elective upper abdominal surgeries under general anaesthesia. Patients were randomized to C or G group accordingly and received the respective capsules, that is, the Placebo Capsule B–Complex or Capsule Gabapentin 400 mg, 2 hours prior to surgery.

Results: Visual analogue scale for postoperative pain was assessed in all patients. Patients who had received Gabapentin woke up with significantly less  pain than control group; and also the patients in the Gabapentin group required rescue analgesic at a significantly later interval than the patients in the control group. Very few side effects were observed in both the groups.

 Conclusion: Gabapentin (400 mg), when given orally two hours prior to surgery provides postoperative analgesia and extends the time required for first dose of rescue analgesic. There are only few side effects of oral Gabapentin (400 mg) in the form of sedation and dizziness which are tolerated well and require no further interventions.