Gabapentin is a novel anticonvulsant drug that appears to act on both GABA and glutamate systems to reduce CNS excitability characteristic of early abstinence from alcohol. Clinical reports and controlled trials support the efficacy and safety of gabapentin treatment of depression, anxiety, insomnia and alcohol withdrawal. Acamprosate, another glutamate modulating drug, has been found to increase abstinence in controlled trials of alcohol dependence. Thus, a medication that is functionally similar to acamprosate, with efficacy for alcohol withdrawal and the negative affect and disturbances in sleep that are often associated with relapse, is of interest as a potential relapse-prevention medication in alcohol dependence. The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of gabapentin for prolonging abstinence and reducing drinking in recently abstinent outpatients with alcohol dependence. A 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging study will be conducted with random assignment to gabapentin 900 mg/d, 1800 mg/d or placebo. Subjects will be 150 outpatients with alcohol dependence. The 3 pharmacological treatment conditions will be administered in conjunction with manual-guided behavioral counseling that incorporates strategies to increase motivation, abstinence, and medication compliance. Counseling and research assessments will occur weekly throughout the 12-week treatment phase. Post-treatment assessments will occur at Weeks 13, 24 and 36. It is hypothesized that administration of gabapentin will result in significantly: 1.) Greater rate of cumulative abstinence duration, 2.) Longer latency to first drink, and 3.) Less alcohol consumption on study than placebo, and will show a linear dose effect. Baseline measures of mood and sleep will be examined as potential predictors of treatment outcome. Results will provide key information about the efficacy and safety of gabapentin for relapse prevention during early abstinence in outpatients with alcohol dependence.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Type
Method to Extend Research in Time (MERIT) Award (R37)
Project #
5R37AA014028-03
Application #
6711028
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZAA1-BB (20))
Program Officer
Fertig, Joanne
Project Start
2003-03-01
Project End
2008-02-28
Budget Start
2004-03-01
Budget End
2005-02-28
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2004
Total Cost
$656,259
Indirect Cost
Name
Scripps Research Institute
Department
Type
DUNS #
781613492
City
La Jolla
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
92037
Mason, Barbara J; Quello, Susan; Goodell, Vivian et al. (2014) Gabapentin treatment for alcohol dependence: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA Intern Med 174:70-7
Mason, Barbara J; Higley, Amanda E (2013) A translational approach to novel medication development for protracted abstinence. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 13:647-70
Mason, Barbara J; Lehert, Philippe (2012) Acamprosate for alcohol dependence: a sex-specific meta-analysis based on individual patient data. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 36:497-508
Higley, Amanda E; Crane, Natania A; Spadoni, Andrea D et al. (2011) Craving in response to stress induction in a human laboratory paradigm predicts treatment outcome in alcohol-dependent individuals. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 218:121-9
Koob, George F; Kenneth Lloyd, G; Mason, Barbara J (2009) Development of pharmacotherapies for drug addiction: a Rosetta stone approach. Nat Rev Drug Discov 8:500-15
Mason, Barbara J; Shaham, Yavin; Weiss, Friedbert et al. (2009) Stress, alcohol craving, and relapse risk: mechanisms and viable treatment targets. Alcohol 43:541-3
Mason, Barbara J; Light, John M; Escher, Tobie et al. (2008) Effect of positive and negative affective stimuli and beverage cues on measures of craving in non treatment-seeking alcoholics. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 200:141-50