Letter to the Editor March 15, 2007

Gabapentin Abuse, and Delirium Tremens Upon Gabapentin Withdrawal

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J Clin Psychiatry 2007;68(3):483-484

Article Abstract

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Sir: Gabapentin is one of a new generation of antiepileptic drugs widely used in recent years for a variety of indications, including epilepsy, neuropathic pain, migraine, and bipolar disorder. Although gabapentin is structurally analogous to γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), it does not appear to affect GABA uptake or the GABAA or GABAB receptors. The basis of its anticonvulsant efficacy is unclear, but it may include inhibition of certain voltage-activated calcium channels.1‘ ‹