Gabapentin (Neurontin® and multiple generic formulations) is FDA-approved for the management of epileptic seizures and neuropathic pain. It is believed to act by blocking a specific alpha-2d subunit of the voltage-gated calcium channel at selective presynaptic sites and, as a result, to indirectly modulate gamma butyric acid (GABA) neurotransmission.11 Pre-clinical findings indicate that gabapentin normalizes the stress-induced GABA activation in the amygdala that is associated with alcohol dependence, and provide an excellent pre-clinical rationale for evaluating gabapentin as a treatment for alcohol dependence.12 A human laboratory study found gabapentin reduced alcohol-cued craving and sleep disturbance in alcohol dependent participants,13 and clinical studies of various disorders report gabapentin reduced craving and disturbances in sleep and mood.14–19 Earlier studies of gabapentin in alcohol dependent subjects, attempting to abstain following withdrawal support the safety and potential efficacy of gabapentin in alcohol dependent patients, but definitive conclusions were limited by either small sample size, methodological, or dosing issues.14,17, 20, 21 The present study was therefore designed to provide a more definitive evaluation of the efficacy and safety of gabapentin at the highest (1800 mg/d)
