Gabapentin for Substance Use Disorders Is it Safe and Appropriate?

Gabapentin is effective for the treatment of alcohol dependence and can be used for treating anxiety, insomnia, headaches, and/or pain in patients who have comorbid substance use disorders (SUDs) or who are at high risk of substance abuse. Deaths from unintentional drug overdoses are increasing, are the leading cause of injury death in the United States, and are mostly attributable to prescription drugs, in particular opioid agents. Compared to other psychotropic drugs, gabapentin is not especially harmful or lethal. Gabapentin misuse is possible, similar to other medications not typically considered drugs of abuse, but it should be considered safe and appropriate for use in patients with all types of SUDs, including patients who take opioid drugs.