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Gabapentin modulates gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and voltage-gated calcium and potassium channels; several studies have suggested its efficacy for alcohol use disorder (AUD). These researchers conducted a metanalysis of the seven placebo-controlled published studies on gabapentin monotherapy in people with AUD (N=751). Dosages in the studies ranged from 300 to 3600 mg daily.
Compared with placebo, gabapentin reduced percentage of heavy drinking days, with a moderate effect size, but did not significantly improve five other outcomes (gamma-glutamyltransferase [GGT] concentration, drinks per day, percent days abstinent, relapse to heavy drinking, and complete abstinence). The largest study (n=338) was the only one using an extended-release …