Gabapentin for alcohol use disorder: A good option, or cause for concern?

Article Figures & Data

TABLE 1

Agents used to treat alcohol use disorder

Agent	FDA-approved	Potential issues	Contraindications	Side effects
Disulfiram	Yes	Poor compliance hinders effectiveness	Concurrent alcohol exposure	Liver and kidney toxicity, neuropathy
Acamprosate	Yes	Limited benefit	Renal failure	Diarrhea
Naltrexone	Yes	Limited benefit Requires complete opioid abstinence	Opioid use, liver failure	Headache, nausea, dizziness
Nalmefene	No	Limited benefit Not available in the United States	Opioid use	Nausea, fatigue, dizziness
Gabapentin	No	Limited data Abuse potential in some individuals	Opioid use disorder is a relative contraindication	Dizziness, somnolence, ataxia
Topiramate	No	Potential for neurocognitive side effects	None	Paresthesia, neurocognitive change, anorexia
Varenicline	No	Limited data Modest effect size	Seizure disorder is a relative contraindication	Nausea
Baclofen	No	Efficacy unclear May require high doses	Renal failure Seizure disorder is a relative contraindication	Somnolence, dizziness