Open pilot study of gabapentin versus trazodone to treat insomnia in alcoholic outpatients

Alcohol-dependent outpatients with persisting insomnia were treated with either gabapentin or trazodone. Patients were assessed at baseline and after 4 - 6 weeks on medication using the Sleep Problems Questionnaire (SPQ). Of 55 cases initially treated, 9% dropped out due to morning drowsiness. Of the remaining 50 cases, 34 were treated with gabapentin ( mean dose +/- SD = 888 +/- 418 mg) at bedtime and 16 were treated with trazodone ( 105 +/- 57 mg) at bedtime. Both groups improved significantly on the SPQ but the gabapentin group improved significantly more than the trazodone group. Controlled studies are warranted to replicate these findings.