Comparing the Effects of Oral Gabapentin and Clonidine on Preoperative Anxiolysis and Attenuation of Stress Response to Endotracheal Intubation

INTRODUCTIONAttenuation of anxiety and stress response to endotracheal intubation are the cornerstone of good anesthetic outcome. Clonidine produces anxiolysis, sympatholysis and decrease intraoperative anesthetic requirements. Gabapentin, used to treat neuropathic pain, has been studied for attenuation of stress response to endotracheal intubation. In our study, we aim to evaluate and compare the effects of clonidine and gabapentin on pre-operative anxiolysis & stress response to endotracheal intubation. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study was conducted in a double blind manner.120 patients ASA 1 & 2, were randomly allocated into 3 groups receiving either oral Gabapentin (900mg) or oral Clonidine (300 ugm) or placebo, 90 min before elective surgical procedures. The patients received i. v. thiopentone 5mg/kg and succinylcholine 1.5mg/kg. VAS anxiety score was recorded before and 90 minutes after the drug. Hemodynamic parameters (PR, SBP, DBP, MBP) were recorded before & 90 minutes after giving drug & 0, 1, 3, 5, 10 min after intubation. RESULTS During preinduction clonidine showed significant decrease in VAS compared to gabapentin and placebo. Clonidine showed significant attenuation of stress response compared to gabapentin and placebo. However no statistically significant difference found between gabapentin and placebo group. CONCLUSION Clonidine is effective in attenuating pre-operative anxiety & stress response to endotracheal intubation.