Concerns About Gabapentinoids in Psychiatric Practice.

Similar to benzodiazepines, gabapentinoids are used to reduce central nervous system hyperexcitability. Unlike benzodiazepines, gabapentinoids are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of psychiatric disorders, even in disorders characterized by excitatory-inhibitory imbalances in neuronal circuits. The current article explores the indications, concerns, trends in prescribing, and clinical guidance offered to clinicians for making safe decisions regarding use of gabapentinoids.