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Gabapentin & Cannabis
By michael
Scientists at the Pearson Center for Alcoholism and Addiction Research at Scripps Research Institute have demonstrated significant benefits for the use of the drug gabapentin. This drug is currently marketed for the treatment of neuropathic pain and epilepsy. A phase 1 study was performed to see whether or not gabapentin would be useful in reducing usage in individuals who inhale marijuana. Unlike traditional addiction treatment, gabapentin targets stress systems in the brain activated by drug withdrawal. As I have discussed in the past, the active ingredients in marijuana bind to endogenous endocannabinoid receptors. Gabapentin binds to the receptor for the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid [GABA]. This work has been published in the article: “Concept randomized control study of gabapentin: effects on cannabis use, withdrawal and executive function deficits in cannabis dependent adults.”
A total of 50 patients took gabapentin for a period of 12 weeks. This was a double-blind trial with one arm taking the placebo and the other arm taking gabapentin. Those taking a daily dosage of 1200 mg of gabapentin, divided into three doses a day experienced fewer withdrawal symptoms such as sleeplessness and scored higher on tests of attention, impulse control, and other cognitive skills. Until now, no drug agent has been demonstrated to work against both relapse and withdrawal symptoms.
64% of the patients who began the study dropped out. The median duration of usage of marijuana was 11.6 years. Of note, 25% of all hospital admissions for drug dependency are associated with the usage of cannabis. These preliminary results need to be confirmed on a larger scale. If so, then gabapentin would be the first drug approved by the FDA for this indication. The Scripps Research Institute has applied for a patent for this work.
Dr. Greenleaf will next be discussing a most exciting indication for the use of cannabis – the ability to bind to CD 2 receptors and potentially reduce the risk of developing cancer.
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