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Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
But enough to give us pause. It does improve cravings, anxiety, and sleep during withdrawal, so it may still have a role as an adjunct to more established methods like a benzodiazepine taper, or its use should be confined to patients with less severe dependence. A typical schedule starts at 1200–2400 mg/day in three or four divided doses, tapers to 600 mg/day over four to seven days, then drops in increments of 300 mg or smaller every few days until reaching zero (Leung JG et al, Ann Pharmacother 2015;49(8):897–906). Alternatively, it may be continued long term to prevent relapse, a use that is endorsed by the APA guidelines on alcohol use disorders.Akathisia, sleep, and hot flashes :Treatments for RLS often reduce akathisia, and gabapentin has promising results for this antipsychotic side effect, as evidenced in open-label trials at doses of 300–3600 mg/day. Gabapentin is often used as a hypnotic, and this is supported by small controlled and open-label trials where it improved sleep duration and quality (eg, increased slow-wave sleep) at 200–900 mg/day (Furey SA et al, J Clin Sleep Med 2014;10(10):1101–1109). In practice, this means gabapentin may not help your patients fall asleep faster, but it can deepen their sleep and reduce nocturnal awakenings. Women with post-menopausal vasomotor symptoms are good candidates for this hypnotic use, as gabapentin reduced hot flashes in several controlled trials (Saadati N et al, Glob J Health Sci 2013;5(6):126–130).These off-label uses are based on clinical observations, smaller studies, or anecdotal evidence, so efficacy may vary. Always consult with a healthcare provider for guidance on using gabapentin for any off-label purpose.The Dosages of Off-Label Usages of GabapentinGabapentin may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:drowsinesstiredness or weaknessdizzinessheadacheuncontrollable shaking of a part of your bodydouble or blurred visionunsteadinessanxietymemory problemsstrange or unusual thoughtsunwanted eye movementsnauseavomitingheartburndiarrheadry mouthconstipationincreased appetiteweight gainswelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legsback or joint painfeverrunny nose, sneezing, cough, sore throat, or flu-like symptomsear painred, itchy eyes (sometimes with swelling or discharge)Some side effects may be serious. If you experience any of the
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