Gabapentin for tinnitus: randomized double-blind trial (negative)

Record details

Authors: Piccirillo JF, et al.
Journal / source: Archives of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery (2007)
Design: 8-week randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial (900–3600 mg/day)
Sample: 115 analyzed (59 gabapentin / 56 placebo)
Primary endpoint: THI change to week 8
Randomized: Yes · Sham/placebo-controlled: Yes · Independent of the manufacturer: Yes

What this research found

NEGATIVE: THI improved 11.3 vs 11.0 points — difference 0.03 [95% CI −5.5, 6.2], p=.91. 'Gabapentin is no more effective than placebo.'

Both arms improved equally — a clean demonstration of the placebo/natural-course response that uncontrolled tinnitus studies mistake for efficacy.

Limitations and conflicts of interest

8-week horizon.

Funding / conflicts: Independent.

Primary sources

Used as evidence for

Off-label oral drugs (antidepressants, benzodiazepines, gabapentin, betahistine)

This is an original summary from the Tinnitus Evidence verified database, checked against the primary source — not a reproduction of the publisher's abstract.