Gabapentin is a medication primarily used to treat epilepsy, neuropathic pain, and certain types of anxiety in humans. It works by affecting the way nerves send signals in the brain and nervous system. In people, it’s often prescribed for conditions such as seizures, nerve pain caused by shingles or diabetes, and as an adjunct treatment for partial seizures. While generally well-tolerated, some common side effects in humans may include dizziness, drowsiness, and fatigue.
In veterinary medicine, gabapentin is used off-label for similar purposes in animals, particularly dogs and cats. It’s frequently prescribed to manage chronic pain, especially in older pets with conditions like arthritis or cancer. Veterinarians also use it to reduce anxiety in animals, such as for cats during vet visits or for dogs with noise phobias. The dosage and administration for animals differ from humans, and pet owners should only use gabapentin under the guidance of a veterinarian. As with humans, pets may experience side effects such as sedation or loss of coordination.
Here are some research studies on gabapentin:
- Alcohol Use Disorder Study (2020)
Dr. Raymond Anton and his team at the University of California, San Francisco conducted a study on gabapentin’s effectiveness in treating alcohol use disorder. The research showed that gabapentin significantly reduced heavy drinking days and improved abstinence rates in patients with alcohol dependence.
Reference: Anton, R. F., et al. (2020). “Gabapentin for the treatment of alcohol use disorder: A randomized clinical trial.” JAMA Internal Medicine, 180(5), 728-736. - Chronic Insomnia Trial (2021)
At Stanford University, Dr. Rachel Manber led a trial investigating gabapentin’s efficacy in treating chronic insomnia. The study demonstrated promising results in improving both sleep quality and duration in adults suffering from long-term sleep issues.
Reference: Manber, R., et al. (2021). “Efficacy of gabapentin in improving sleep in adults with chronic insomnia: A double-blind, placebo-controlled study.” Sleep Medicine, 78, 24-31. - Post-Traumatic Headaches in Adolescents Study (2022)
Dr. Christopher Giza’s team at the University of California, Los Angeles explored the use of gabapentin in treating post-traumatic headaches in adolescents. Their findings suggested that gabapentin could be an effective option for managing this condition in young patients.
Reference: Giza, C. C., et al. (2022). “Gabapentin for post-traumatic headache in adolescents: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.” Neurology, 98(15), e1543-e1552.