Gabapentin Treatment of Benzodiazepine Abuse in Methadone Maintenance Patients
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2011-01-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
The aim of this project is to study the use of gabapentin in reducing benzodiazepine abuse in
methadone maintenance patients. A second aim is to study the effects of gabapentin on
craving, mood, anxiety, and sleep disturbance in methadone maintenance patients abusing
benzodiazepines. The proposed protocol is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
pilot outpatient trial of gabapentin in the treatment of benzodiazepine abuse in methadone
maintenance patients. All subjects will receive weekly manual-guided psychotherapy directed
at achieving abstinence and improving current functioning. The primary outcome measure,
benzodiazepine use, will be assessed weekly by a combination of self-report (time line
follow-back method) and urine toxicology. Associated psychological symptoms of craving, mood,
anxiety, and sleep disturbance, will be assessed by a combination of clinician and self-rated
instruments.
The investigators hypothesize that individuals receiving methadone maintenance treatment who
are abusing (nonprescribed use) benzodiazepines have difficulty in reducing or discontinuing
benzodiazepine use because of the significant anxiety, mood, and sleep disturbance symptoms
that accompany reduction in use. Gabapentin, an anticonvulsant which has anxiolytic and
sedating properties, may alleviate the symptoms associated with a reduction in benzodiazepine
abuse and make the achievement of abstinence more likely when administered in the setting of
an active psychotherapy condition.