Open pilot study of gabapentin versus trazodone to treat insomnia in alcoholic outpatients

Authors: Karam-Hage M.; Brower K.J.

Source: Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, Volume 57, Number 5, October 2003 , pp. 542-544(3)

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Abstract:

Alcohol-dependent outpatients with persisting insomnia were treated with either gabapentin or trazodone. Patients were assessed at baseline and after 4–6 weeks on medication using the Sleep Problems Questionnaire (SPQ). Of 55 cases initially treated, 9% dropped out due to morning drowsiness. Of the remaining 50 cases, 34 were treated with gabapentin (mean dose ± SD = 888 ± 418 mg) at bedtime and 16 were treated with trazodone (105 ± 57 mg) at bedtime. Both groups improved significantly on the SPQ but the gabapentin group improved significantly more than the trazodone group. Controlled studies are warranted to replicate these findings.

Keywords: alcoholism; drug therapy; gabapentin; insomnia; trazodone

Document Type: Short communication

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1440-1819.2003.01161.x

Affiliations: 1: Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA

Publication date: 2003-10-01