Use of a gabapentin protocol for the management of alcohol withdrawal: a preliminary experience expanding from the consultation/liaison psychiatry service ☆

Benzodiazepines are the conventional mainstay to manage alcohol withdrawal; however, patients are subsequently at increased risk for poor sleep, cravings, and return to drinking. Research on alternative pharmacologic agents to facilitate safe alcohol withdrawal is scant. Gabapentin is one medication shown in small studies to reduce the need for benzodiazepines in the setting of alcohol withdrawal. The continuation of gabapentin after alcohol withdrawal appears to be safe during early sobriety and may aid in reducing alcohol-related cravings or returning to alcohol consumption.

Source: Psychosomatics - March 22, 2018 Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Jonathan G. Leung, Daniela Rakocevic, Nicholas D. Allen, Elliot M. Handler, Bruno A. Perossa, Kristin L. Borreggine, Amy L. Stark, Hannah K. Betcher, Daniel K. Hosker, Blaine A. Minton, Benjamin R. Braus, Ross A. Dierkhising, Kemuel L. Philbrick Source Type: research