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
A primary psychiatric diagnosis other than BD (e.g., Schizophrenia)
Meet DSM-5 criteria for moderate or severe substance use disorder (other than cannabis or tobacco) within the past 60 days
Any uncontrolled neurological condition (e.g., epilepsy) that could confound the results of the study
Any history of brain injury with loss of consciousness greater than 5 minutes
Medical University of South Carolina
Lead sponsor
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Collaborator