Gabapentin: A review of published experience in the treatment of bipolar disorder and other psychiatric conditions

Successful therapy with valproate and carbamazepine in patients with psychi atric disorders led to investigation of other anticonvulsants for similar i ndications. Gabapentin is a relatively new anticonvulsant being investigate d for potential use in the treatment of bipolar disorder (BD), anxiety diso rders, behavioral dyscontrol, and substance use disorders. Its favorable si de effect profile, absence of the need for therapeutic drug monitoring, and minimal drug interactions give gabapentin a potential role in these indica tions. Computer searches of the biomedical literature were undertaken to id entify all pertinent case reports, case series, and studies of the drug as monotherapy or adjunctive therapy for ED; 10 reports were retrieved. In the treatment of various anxiety disorders, one study, one case report, and on e case series were identified. At least one case series described gabapenti n therapy for alcohol withdrawal and one case report of the drug for agitat ion associated with dementia. Published, well-designed studies evaluating t he agent's effectiveness as monotherapy for ED are lacking. Its benefit as an adjunctive treatment with other mood stabilizers is also unestablished. Data regarding its efficacy in the treatment of anxiety disorders or manife stations of substance abuse are limited. These areas may deserve further in vestigation.