Gabapentin for the treatment of substance use disorders.

Abstract

The amino acid gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. Four placebo-controlled studies found the GABA analog drug gabapentin effective for treating alcohol dependence. Gabapentin may also be effective for treating alcohol withdrawal syndromes. One placebo-controlled pilot study found gabapentin beneficial for cannabis dependence, but several controlled studies found no benefit for cocaine or methamphetamine dependence. Whether gabapentin is effective for other substance use disorders is unknown.

• Authors: Robert H Howland
• Journal: Journal of psychosocial nursing and mental health services (J Psychosoc Nurs Ment Health Serv) Vol. 51 Issue 12 Pg. 11-4 (Dec 2013) ISSN: 0279-3695 [Print] United States
• PMID: 24712024 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Amines
• Antimanic Agents
• Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids
• gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
• Gabapentin

Topics

• Amines (therapeutic use)
• Antimanic Agents (therapeutic use)
• Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids (therapeutic use)
• Gabapentin
• Humans
• Substance-Related Disorders (drug therapy)
• Treatment Outcome
• gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (therapeutic use)