Gabapentin for Restoring GABA/Glutamate Homeostasis in Co-occurring Bipolar and Cannabis Use Disorders: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled, Parallel-group, MRI Study
This research study evaluates the effects of an FDA-approved medication Gabapentin in individuals with Bipolar Disorder who smoke marijuana. Participants in the study will will be assigned to take either Gabapentin or a matched placebo. Study medication will be taken for 17 days. There will be 5 study visits, with 2 MRI brain imaging scans completed. Questionnaires and clinical interview measures will be completed at study visits along with consistent assessment of potential side effects from study medication.
• Ages 18-65 years
• Meet DSM-5 criteria for moderate or severe cannabis use disorder (CUD; within the past 3 months), provide a positive urine cannabinoid screen at baseline, and identify cannabis as the primary substance of abuse
• Meet DSM-5 criteria for bipolar I or II disorder (BD) or Schizoaffective Disorder, Bipolar Type
• Able to provide informed consent and read, understand, and accurately complete assessment instruments
• Willing to commit to medication treatment and follow-up assessments
• Prescribed daily use of at least one mood stabilizing medication (i.e., lithium, divalproex sodium, lamotrigine, carbamazepine, 2nd generation antipsychotic)