Using gabapentin to help balance brain chemicals in people with bipolar disorder and cannabis use issues.
Gabapentin for Restoring GABA/glutamate Homeostasis in Co-occurring Bipolar and Cannabis Use Disorders: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled, Parallel-group, Clinical MRI Study
This study is looking at how the medication gabapentin might help people who have both bipolar disorder and cannabis use disorder by balancing certain chemicals in the brain, and it involves giving some participants gabapentin and others a placebo to see how it affects their mood and cannabis use.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical University of South Carolina NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10868712 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of gabapentin, a medication that may help restore the balance of GABA and glutamate in the brain, in individuals who have both bipolar disorder and cannabis use disorder. The study involves a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design, meaning that participants will receive either gabapentin or a placebo without knowing which one they are taking. Through advanced MRI techniques, researchers will assess changes in brain chemistry and how these changes relate to mood and cannabis use. The goal is to find a more effective treatment for those struggling with these co-occurring conditions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with both bipolar disorder and cannabis use disorder.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have bipolar disorder or cannabis use disorder may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options for patients with bipolar disorder and cannabis use disorder, potentially reducing symptoms and improving overall quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results using gabapentin for similar brain chemistry issues, but this specific approach in the context of bipolar disorder and cannabis use disorder is novel.
Where this research is happening
Charleston, United States
- Medical University of South Carolina — Charleston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Prisciandaro, James Joseph — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Prisciandaro, James Joseph
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.