Abstract
Gabapentin was compared with phenobarbital for the treatment of alcohol withdrawal in a randomized, open-label, controlled trial in 27 inpatients. There were no significant differences in the proportion of treatment completers between treatment groups or the proportion of patients in each group requiring rescue medication for breakthrough signs and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. There were no significant treatment differences in withdrawal symptoms or psychological distress, nor were there serious adverse events. These findings suggest that gabapentin may be as effective as phenobarbital in the treatment of alcohol withdrawal. Given gabapentin's favorable pharmacokinetic profile, further study of its effectiveness in treating alcohol withdrawal is warranted.
Publication types
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Comparative Study
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Randomized Controlled Trial
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Adolescent
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Adult
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Alcoholism / rehabilitation*
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Amines / adverse effects
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Amines / therapeutic use*
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Anticonvulsants / adverse effects
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Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use*
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Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids / adverse effects
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Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids / therapeutic use*
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Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
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Drug Administration Schedule
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Ethanol / adverse effects*
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Female
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Gabapentin
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Humans
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Male
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Middle Aged
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Neurologic Examination / drug effects
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Patient Admission
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Personality Inventory
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Phenobarbital / adverse effects
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Phenobarbital / therapeutic use*
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Substance Abuse Treatment Centers
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Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / rehabilitation*
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Treatment Outcome
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gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / adverse effects
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gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / therapeutic use*
Substances
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Amines
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Anticonvulsants
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Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids
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Ethanol
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gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
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Gabapentin
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Phenobarbital