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Alcoholic, Has Nerve Pain, Anxiety. Given Gabapentin And Lamictal. Use Of Neurontin To Reduce Desire For Alcohol?
the use of Neurotin (GABA) for decrease in desire for alcohol. My son is an alcoholic, he was given Gabopentin for nerve pain in his back and leg. A great side effect was that he did not have a desire for alcohol. He is also BPD with severe anxiety. It seems to have helped with his sleep also. Have you heard of this? Our family has been through all kinds of legal and suicide with him. It seems almost unbelievable. He has been on Thorazine and Lamictal for many years but always seemed to relapse. It has been 3 months now with the only medication change the addition of gabopentin. He has been amazed at his lack of temptation to drink. He said it like he just does not crave drinking. Are there any Kidney or Liver side effects? What do you think. Are there any studies on the use of this drug.
Mon, 30 Sep 2013
Hi,
You have rightly identified gabapentin's role in reducing craving for alcohol. It is well-known that most anti-convulsants like topiramate, gabapentin, carbamazepine etc have significant anti-craving effects. There are many studies to support this. Gabapentin also lowers anxiety and improves neuropathy symptoms. It also makes people sleepy. Its common side effects are dizziness, fatigue, weight gain, drowsiness and edema. In some cases, it can cause liver damage. It should be used with caution in people with kidney disease.
Hope this is of help. Best wishes.
You have rightly identified gabapentin's role in reducing craving for alcohol. It is well-known that most anti-convulsants like topiramate, gabapentin, carbamazepine etc have significant anti-craving effects. There are many studies to support this. Gabapentin also lowers anxiety and improves neuropathy symptoms. It also makes people sleepy. Its common side effects are dizziness, fatigue, weight gain, drowsiness and edema. In some cases, it can cause liver damage. It should be used with caution in people with kidney disease.
Hope this is of help. Best wishes.
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