Myoclonus in renal failure: Two cases of gabapentin toxicity

Abstract

Gabapentin, an AED approved for the adjunctive treatment of partial seizures with/without secondary generalization and for the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia, is frequently used off-label for the treatment of both psychiatric and pain disorders. Since gabapentin is cleared solely by renal excretion, dosing requires consideration of the patient's renal function. Myoclonic activity may occur as a complication of gabapentin toxicity, especially with acute kidney injury or end-stage renal disease. We report 2 cases of myoclonic activity associated with gabapentin toxicity in the setting of renal disease which resolved with discontinuation of gabapentin and treatment with hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. As gabapentin has multiple indications and off-label uses, an understanding of myoclonus, neurotoxicity, and renal dosing is important to clinicians in multiple specialties.

Keywords

• Gabapentin
• Toxicity
• Myoclonus
• End-stage renal disease
• Acute kidney injury
• Hemodialysis
• Peritoneal dialysis
• Diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain
• Antiepileptic drug
• Education