Effect of add-on gabapentin on opioid withdrawal symptoms in opium-dependent patients.

Abstract

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