Gabapentin in the management of pentazocine dependence: a potent analgesic--anticraving agent.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the role of Gabapentin in the management of Pentazocine dependence for suppressing muscle aching and craving during its withdrawal. MATERIAL AND METHODS Patients of Pentazocine dependence were divided in two groups GpA and GpB (n = 10 in each) and were administered Clonidine (P.O.) in first seven days (acute detoxification phase) and later Naltrexone (P.O.) from seventh day onwards (stabilisation-maintenance phase). Gabapentin (1200 mg/day) was additionally added in group B. Muscle pain and craving were rated on 100 mm visual-analogue scale. Psychological dependence was assessed on four step categorical scale. RESULTS Group B (Gabapentin group) scored significantly lower (p < 0.001) than group A on both the parameters. Psychological dependence was significantly low (p < 0.01) in Gabapentin group. CONCLUSION Gabapentin is an important adjuvant to the management of opiate dependence both in acute detoxification as well as stabilisation phase.