.jpg)
Asian Pain Academy Faculty Dr. Debjyoti Dutta Presents on Gabapentin in Older Adults at GSICON 2026
Dr Debjyoti Dutta GSICON 2026: Academic Presentation in Kolkata
Kolkata, 19th September 2026: Dr. Debjyoti Dutta, Faculty of Asian Pain Academy, presented a scientific lecture at GSICON 2026 in Kolkata, one of the major academic gatherings in the field of geriatric medicine and gerontology.
The presentation was titled:
“Gabapentin for Neuropathic Pain in Older Adults: Balancing Efficacy and Safety”
Down load the Presentation
Dr. Dutta's lecture formed part of the scientific programme of GSICON 2026 — the 39th National Conference of the Geriatric Society of India and the 22nd International Conference on Geriatrics and Gerontology.
The conference was held in Kolkata under the theme:
“Reframing Longevity Care: Biology, Complexity, and Clinical Wisdom.”
Dr. Dutta's participation brought the perspective of Pain Medicine and interventional pain practice into the multidisciplinary discussions surrounding care of older adults.
The Topic: Gabapentin for Neuropathic Pain in Older Adults
The central focus of Dr. Debjyoti Dutta's GSICON 2026 presentation was the appropriate use of gabapentin for neuropathic pain in older adults.
Neuropathic pain is frequently encountered in older patients and may occur in conditions such as painful diabetic neuropathy, postherpetic neuralgia and radicular pain.
While gabapentin can provide meaningful pain relief in selected patients, its use in older adults requires careful consideration because this population may be more vulnerable to sedation, dizziness, ataxia, cognitive effects and falls.
The lecture therefore focused not only on the potential efficacy of gabapentin but also on the practical challenges of prescribing it safely in an ageing population.
What Dr. Debjyoti Dutta Discussed at GSICON 2026
During the presentation, Dr. Dutta discussed several practical aspects of gabapentin therapy, including:
The role of gabapentin in neuropathic pain
Mechanism of action through the α₂δ subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels
Clinical conditions in which gabapentin may be useful
Renal elimination and the importance of renal function
Practical dosing considerations in older adults
The “start low and go slow” approach
Sedation, dizziness and fall risk
Cognitive effects and confusion
Gabapentin use with opioids and other CNS depressants
Gabapentin versus pregabalin
Immediate-release versus newer gabapentin formulations
Gastro-retentive and extended-release preparations
Treatment monitoring and reassessment
When gabapentin treatment should be reconsidered or stopped
Withdrawal and tapering considerations
Balancing Efficacy and Safety
A major message of the lecture was the importance of balancing efficacy and safety when prescribing gabapentin in older adults.
Older patients may have reduced renal function, frailty, multiple comorbidities and polypharmacy. These factors can influence both the effectiveness and tolerability of gabapentin.
Dr. Dutta highlighted the importance of assessing:
Renal function → Frailty → Fall risk → Concomitant medications → Treatment goals → Clinical response
Rather than using a fixed approach, treatment should be individualized according to the patient's clinical circumstances.
Renal Function and Gabapentin Dosing
An important part of the presentation was the relationship between renal function and gabapentin dosing.
Because gabapentin is predominantly eliminated by the kidneys, reduced renal function can increase drug exposure and potentially contribute to adverse effects such as somnolence, dizziness, confusion and neurotoxicity.
For older adults, particularly those who are frail or have impaired renal function, dose selection and gradual titration are therefore particularly important.
The presentation emphasized the practical principle:
“Start Low and Go Slow”
Treatment should then be reassessed according to both pain relief and tolerability.
Gabapentin, Falls and Other Geriatric Safety Concerns
Another important component of Dr. Dutta's presentation was the safety profile of gabapentin in older adults.
Dizziness, somnolence and impaired coordination may contribute to falls, while confusion and cognitive effects can be particularly problematic in vulnerable patients.
The risk may become more important when gabapentin is combined with opioids or other CNS depressant medications.
For this reason, prescribing gabapentin in an older adult requires consideration of the patient's overall medication profile rather than assessing gabapentin in isolation.
Gabapentin vs Pregabalin and Newer Formulations
The lecture also addressed common questions surrounding gabapentin versus pregabalin.
Both medications act through the α₂δ subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels and require renal dose consideration. However, differences in pharmacokinetics, dosing and individual tolerability may influence clinical choice.
Dr. Dutta also discussed newer gabapentin formulations, including gastro-retentive and extended-release preparations.
The presentation highlighted that newer formulations may offer advantages such as modified absorption or dosing convenience, but universal superiority over immediate-release gabapentin has not been established.
An Academic Contribution From Asian Pain Academy
The participation of Dr. Debjyoti Dutta at GSICON 2026 reflects the involvement of Asian Pain Academy faculty in continuing medical education and multidisciplinary academic discussions.
The presentation also highlights the importance of integrating Pain Medicine into the broader management of older adults, where pain, functional status, medication safety and quality of life frequently intersect.
Through its educational initiatives, Asian Pain Academy continues to focus on developing knowledge and practical skills in Pain Medicine among healthcare professionals.
About Dr. Debjyoti Dutta
Dr. Debjyoti Dutta is a Pain Physician and Faculty of Asian Pain Academy. His academic and clinical interests include Pain Medicine, interventional pain management, ultrasound-guided procedures and education and training in Pain Medicine.
His participation in GSICON 2026 in Kolkata adds to the academic activities of Asian Pain Academy and provides an opportunity to share practical Pain Medicine perspectives with professionals involved in geriatric care.
About GSICON 2026
GSICON 2026 brought together professionals working in geriatric medicine and gerontology for scientific presentations and discussions focused on contemporary challenges in ageing and longevity care.
The event comprised the 39th National Conference of the Geriatric Society of India and the 22nd International Conference on Geriatrics and Gerontology.
The conference theme was:
“Reframing Longevity Care: Biology, Complexity, and Clinical Wisdom.”
Watch the Full Lecture
The complete presentation by Dr. Debjyoti Dutta, titled “Gabapentin for Neuropathic Pain in Older Adults: Balancing Efficacy and Safety,” is available on the Asian Pain Academy YouTube channel.
The lecture is particularly relevant for physicians and healthcare professionals interested in Geriatric Medicine, Pain Medicine, neuropathic pain, and safe pharmacological management in older adults.
Comments