Does Gabapentin Help with Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome?
Alcohol dependence is a common condition. Patients with alcohol use disorder are at risk of developing alcohol withdrawal syndrome if they abruptly stop drinking alcohol, which is why healthcare providers will prescribe a medication, like gabapentin or a benzodiazepine, and see the patient daily until alcohol withdrawal symptoms subside. Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal syndrome include agitation, tremors, nausea, sweating, vomiting, hallucinations, insomnia, rapid heart rate, increased blood pressure, and seizures. Depending on the severity, the patient may receive outpatient or inpatient treatment. Either way, the patient should receive ongoing treatment for alcohol dependence. Are there any anticonvulsants (like gabapentin) that can be safely taken with alcohol? So, if you’re taking gabapentin and looking to imbibe on the weekends, you may wonder if you can switch to another treatment option and safely drink. Unfortunately, the answer is no. The 2019 FDA warning about gabapen...