The effect of gabapentin premedication on pain and anxiety during cataract surgery under peribulbar block

BackgroundThe principal goal of sedation during eye surgery is to keep the patient calm and comfortable without depression of the protective airway reflexes or affecting the hemodynamics. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of oral gabapentin premedication on anxiety and pain during cataract surgery done under peribulbar block.Material and methodsIn this double blinded placebo controlled study, 60 patients scheduled for cataract surgery under peribulbar block were randomly allocated into two groups. In the gabapentin group (n = 30), patients were premedicated 2 h before peribulbar block by 1200 mg oral gabapentin capsules. In the placebo group (n = 30), patients were premedicated 2 h before peribulbar block by oral placebo capsules. Verbal pain score (VPS), sedation score, verbal anxiety score (VAS), respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, heart rate, blood pressure and side effects were recorded.ResultsVPS was low in the gabapentin group versus the placebo group after the block till discharge (P < 0.01). VAS for anxiety was low in the gabapentin group versus the placebo group 1 h after premedication till discharge (P < 0.01). The heart rate and blood pressure were high in the placebo group versus the gabapentin group from arrival to the operating room till discharge. No side effects were recorded.ConclusionPremedication with 1200 mg oral gabapentin reduces anxiety and pain during cataract surgery done under peribulbar block without producing side effects.