Use of Gabapentin as an Adjunct Agent in the Treatment of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome: A Case Report
Alyssa Brzenski
Department of Anesthesiology, University of California, 200 West Arbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92103-8770, USA.
Mark Greenberg *
Department of Anesthesiology, University of California, 200 West Arbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92103-8770, USA.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
We report the use of Gabapentin (Neurontin), an anticonvulsant and analgesic, as a non-opioid adjunct agent in the treatment of a term newborn infant with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). Initial treatment with methadone to prevent withdrawal symptoms was not fully effective. Despite the addition of clonidine, an alpha-2 agonist, he was still unable to be weaned off opioids. The addition of gabapentin reduced symptoms, allowing for successful taper off methadone, and discharge from the hospital. As a non-opioid agent, gabapentin is a drug with potential for assisting with the difficult task of treating NAS refractory to standard opioid therapy due to its sedative and analgesic properties without any respiratory depression.
Keywords: Neurontin, gabapentin, opioids, withdrawal, neonatal abstinence syndrome, clonidine, pain