Is Gabapentin Effective in Reducing Heavy Drinking and Alcohol Related Insomnia in Alcohol Dependent Patients?

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not “Is gabapentin effective in reducing heavy drinking and alcohol related insomnia in alcohol dependent patients?” STUDY DESIGN: Review of three English language primary studies, one published in 2008 and two others in 2013. DATA STUDIES: Three double blind, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) analyzing the effects of gabapentin therapy in attempting to reduce heavy drinking and alcohol related insomnia in alcohol dependent patients were found via PubMed and Cochrane databases. OUTCOMES MEASURED: The reduction in alcohol consumption and improvement in alcohol related insomnia were measured through the Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol (CIWA-Ar), Penn Alcohol Craving Scale (PACS), Epworth daytime sleepiness scale, overnight polysomnography (PSG), sleep problem questionnaire, and drinking diaries. RESULTS: The three double blind RCTs by Brower, Mason, and Stock showed a statistically significant reduction in heavy drinking and alcohol related insomnia at the endpoint of intervention. CONCLUSION: The RCTs by Brower, Mason, and Stock provided compelling evidence that gabapentin is an effective treatment for heavy drinking in alcohol dependent patients and minimizing alcohol related insomnia