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Gabapentin in Alcohol Dependence.

Morgan D Greutman¹, Mark A Gales^1,2,3, Barry J Gales^1,2,3

¹Southwestern Oklahoma State University College of Pharmacy, Weatherford, OK, USA.

The Journal of Pharmacy Technology : Jpt : Official Publication of the Association of Pharmacy Technicians

|December 3, 2021

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Gabapentin shows promise as a well-tolerated adjunctive therapy for alcohol dependence, particularly for patients with moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms. Early or concurrent administration during acute withdrawal may improve outcomes like cravings and abstinence.

Keywords:

abstinence alcohol dependence alcoholism craving gabapentin

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Area of Science:

Pharmacology
Addiction Medicine
Clinical Research

Background:

Alcohol dependence is a significant public health issue.
Acute alcohol withdrawal presents complex management challenges.
Adjunctive therapies are sought to improve treatment outcomes for alcohol dependence.

Purpose of the Study:

To review existing literature on gabapentin's efficacy in managing alcohol dependence post-acute alcohol withdrawal.
To synthesize findings from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating gabapentin for alcohol dependence.

Main Methods:

Searched MEDLINE and Cochrane Database for RCTs of gabapentin in alcohol dependence.
Included trials with at least 4 weeks of gabapentin therapy and relevant outcome measures.
Identified six RCTs meeting the inclusion criteria.

Main Results:

Four trials indicated beneficial effects of gabapentin on alcohol-related outcomes.
Two smaller studies in patients with mild withdrawal did not show significant benefits.
Gabapentin up to 1800 mg/day was well-tolerated with no serious adverse events.

Conclusions:

Gabapentin is a safe and well-tolerated adjunctive treatment for alcohol dependence.
Strongest evidence for efficacy was observed in patients with moderate to severe withdrawal.
Optimal use involves early or concurrent administration during acute withdrawal, continued for up to 12 weeks.