Gabapentin: an old anticonvulsivant with new potential, may reduce withdrawal symptoms and contribute to alcohol abstinence

Abstract

Alcohol abuse is one of the most common causes of substance dependence, representing an area ofinterest in continuous development. In terms of treatment, Gabapentin (GBP) has shown in published studies that it is an important therapeutic agent, especially in the case of alcohol withdrawal syndrome. The main objective of this article is to carry out a detailed evaluation of studies on the effectiveness of Gabapentin in the treatment of numerous mental disorders and also substance use disorders. Although it belongs to the category of anticonvulsants, it has been shown that Gabapentin has many therapeutic properties due to its mechanism of action involving the Gabaergic system. Thus, a new therapeutic vision in the treatment of abstinence and withdrawal syndrome is outlined.