ABSTRACT
Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) such as phenobarbital have been traditionally used in the treatment of sedative-hypnotic dependence to help patients withdraw safely from sedatives, including benzodiazepines. More recently, newer AEDs, including carbamazepine and valproate, have also shown some potential in treating benzodiazepine withdrawal. AEDs such as GVG [gamma-vinyl gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)], topiramate, and tiagabine may be promising for the treatment of stimulant dependence, primarily as relapse-prevention medications. Finally, AEDs such as carbamazepine and lamotrigine may be particularly beneficial in helping drug-addicted patients with comorbid mood disorders achieve and maintain abstinence from drugs of abuse, including from stimulants.
