Gabapentin For Alcohol Use Disorder & Addiction Treatment
A prescription anticonvulsant, gabapentin is approved for use for the treatment of epileptic seizures, restless legs syndrome, and nerve pain from postherpetic neuralgia1,2—a condition characterized by pain that can last for months after a shingles infection. In its various forms, gabapentin is marketed under brand names such as Gralise, Horizant, and Neurontin, and is also widely available in generic forms by prescription.
How Does Gabapentin Work?
Our nervous system uses chemical messengers to either excite or calm our nerves. Two of these important messengers are GABA (which calms) and glutamate (which excites).3,4 Though the chemical structure of the medication gabapentin is similar to GABA, is is not believed to work by directly affecting the brain’s GABA receptors.3,4
Instead, gabapentin is thought to work by inhibiting a specific type of calcium channel on brain cells rather than directly affecting GABA receptors.5-7 By affecting these channels, gabapentin may indirectly tone down the activity of glutamate and boost the action of GABA. This is believed to be how gabapentin provides some of its benefits.5-7
Gabapentin Uses in Addiction Treatment
Gabapentin is sometimes used as a part of addiction treatment for some substances.3 It is not intended as a sole treatment for substance use disorder; it works best by complementing other addiction treatment modalities, such as behavioral therapy, other therapies, addiction education, and sometimes other medications.3
Though an off-label use, gabapentin has also been found useful in treating certain mental health disorders.3 So, during addiction treatment, a person could be prescribed gabapentin to help with symptoms of cannabis, opioid, or alcohol use disorders or to help with co-occurring mental disorders such as anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, or bipolar disorder.3
Gabapentin for Alcohol Use Disorder
Alcohol withdrawal can cause intensely uncomfortable and even life-threatening symptoms during detox, including the risk of seizures.3 Gabapentin, used in some cases for certain types of seizures, may be used to manage symptoms during alcohol withdrawal syndrome.3 Beyond seizure prevention, gabapentin has been found to improve mood, sleep, and cravings during medical detox for alcohol use disorder, leading to lower relapse rates and increased abstinence.3,4
As an off-label treatment for individuals in alcohol rehab, gabapentin can be beneficial in managing withdrawal symptoms, reducing mental distress, and alleviating any co-occurring pain.3,4
Emerging Uses for Gabapentin
Building on gabapentin’s benefits in alcohol use disorder treatment, researchers have begun investigating its efficacy for the treatment of cannabis withdrawal symptoms, like cravings, mood changes, and sleep disturbances.8 Given that these symptoms often contribute to relapse, gabapentin could be a helpful tool for individuals who wish to stop using marijuana.8
Additionally, gabapentin has been prescribed to manage opioid withdrawal symptoms (which may include pain), or for co-occurring mental health disorders in people with opioid use disorder.9
These, along with other potential applications, highlight the promising role of gabapentin in substance use disorder treatment. However, more extensive research is necessary before these uses can receive FDA approval or use as part of treatment for a wider range of substance use disorders.
Gabapentin Side Effects
As with many medications, gabapentin can have certain side effects, including the following:1,2
- Headache.
- Drowsiness.
- Loss of coordination.
- Double vision or unusual eye movements.
- Nausea and vomiting.
Why Choose AAC?
At American Addiction Centers (AAC), our nationwide network of treatment centers provide whole person evidence-based addiction treatment, guided by experienced and certified staff. We take a holistic approach, tailoring treatment plans to your unique needs.
To learn more about your treatment options, call us at . Our navigators are on hand to listen to your story, help verify your insurance or discuss other payment choices, and help you begin your journey to recovery. Your path to recovery could begin with a single phone call, so why wait. Pick up the phone today!
