Tag: Symptom control

According to studies, gabapentin is a medication commonly prescribed in hospice and palliative care for neuropathic pain. The question, 'is gabapentin an end of life drug?' often arises due to this association, but it is a misconception. This article clarifies that gabapentin serves as a supportive medication to manage specific symptoms, not as a tool to intentionally end a patient's life.

According to one study, PRN medications are prescribed to as many as 62–97% of patients in mental health wards, highlighting their widespread use for managing symptoms like anxiety and agitation. But beyond mental health, why do people do PRN medications, which are prescribed 'as needed' rather than on a fixed schedule?

Aortic stenosis (AS) affects up to 10% of people over 80 and is the most common adult heart valve condition in the Western world. For this condition, there is no single "drug of choice," as medication cannot reverse or stop the progression of the narrowed heart valve. Instead, drugs are used to manage related symptoms and comorbidities while preparing for definitive, interventional treatment.