Gabapentin in the treatment of cocaine dependence: a case series.
BACKGROUND
Although multiple medications have been studied for the treatment of cocaine dependence, no medication has been shown to have a robust effect on craving and use. This pilot project was designed to evaluate the safety and tolerability of gabapentin in subjects with cocaine dependence.


METHODS
Thirty cocaine-dependent subjects (DSM-IV criteria) were enrolled in an 8-week, open-label trial of 1,200 mg/day of gabapentin in divided doses. Urine drug screens, subjective measures of craving, and cocaine use interviews were conducted at each weekly visit.


RESULTS
Baseline rating of amount and frequency of craving decreased significantly by week 8 (78% vs. 25% for amount, p = .000; 74% vs. 23% for frequency, p = .004). Positive urine drug screens for cocaine decreased from 86% at baseline to 29% at weeks 4 and 8. There were no reports of significant side effects or adverse events.


CONCLUSIONS
This pilot study indicates that gabapentin is safe and well tolerated and may be beneficial in the treatment of cocaine dependence. A placebo-controlled trial would be of interest.
Myrick
H
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Department of Psychiatry, Center for Drug and Alcohol Programs, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, USA.
Henderson
S
S
Brady
K T
KT
Malcolm
R
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D000085:Acetates / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000588:Amines; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016739:Behavior, Addictive / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology; D019970:Cocaine-Related Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids; D005260:Female; D000077206:Gabapentin; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010555:Personality Inventory / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D015813:Substance Abuse Detection; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
D000085:Acetates; D000588:Amines; D000927:Anticonvulsants; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; D000077206:Gabapentin