Effect of Add-On Gabapentin on Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms in Opium-Dependent Patients Publisher Pubmed



Kheirabadi GR² ; Ranjkesh M¹ ; Maracy MR¹ ; Salehi M¹ Show Affiliations
Source: Addiction Published:2008

Abstract

Aims: Evaluation of the efficacy of gabapentin in patients undergoing out-patient treatment for opiate withdrawal. Design: A 3-week double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of adjunctive gabapentin in methadone-assisted detoxification (MAD). Setting: Specialized Addictive Behaviors Unit, an out-patient unit for the treatment of patients with an addictive disorder serving the city of Isfahan (Iran). Participants: Forty out-patients, 37 males and three females, aged 21-61 years, who met DSM-IV criteria for opiate dependence. Intervention: Random assignment of subjects to receive adjunctive treatment with either gabapentin (900 mg/day) or placebo under double-blind conditions. Measurements: Severity of subjective withdrawal symptoms using the Subjective Opiate Withdrawal Scale at six stages. Findings: Despite the superiority of gabapentin on controlling some of withdrawal symptoms, no significant differences were reported between two groups. Conclusions: Dosage of 900 mg/day of gabapentin is not significantly superior to placebo in controlling opiate withdrawal symptoms. © 2008 The Authors.