Gabapentin for the treatment of ethanol withdrawal.
Benzodiazepines (BZDs) are the drug of choice for the suppression of alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Gabapentin, a drug approved for use as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of partial seizures, has none of the BZD-type difficulties (drug interactions, abuse potential). We retrospectively report on the use of gabapentin for ethanol withdrawal in 49 patients. Thirty-one patients were treated in the outpatient program and 18 in the general inpatient psychiatric unit. Positive outcomes as evidenced by completion of gabapentin therapy were achieved in 25 out of 31 outpatients and 17 out of 18 inpatients. Statistical significance was reached regarding the positive relationship between prior ethanol use and inpatient "as needed" benzodiazepine use. Both sets of data suggest that gabapentin works well for the mild to moderate alcohol withdrawal patient.
Voris
John
J
Mental Health Service Line, WJBD Veteran's Affairs Medical Center, Columbia, South Carolina 29209, USA. John.Voris@med.va.gov
Smith
Nancy L
NL
Rao
Subba M
SM
Thorne
Diana L
DL
Flowers
Queen J
QJ
D000085:Acetates / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000328:Adult; D020270:Alcohol Withdrawal Seizures / Q000188:drug therapy; D000588:Amines; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002492:Central Nervous System Depressants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids; D000431:Ethanol / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D000077206:Gabapentin; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
D000085:Acetates; D000588:Amines; D000927:Anticonvulsants; D002492:Central Nervous System Depressants; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D000431:Ethanol; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; D000077206:Gabapentin