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(04/24/2025) Orlando VA researchers found anti-epilepsy drugs, called gabapentinoids, led to fewer hospital admissions for alcohol withdrawal in Veterans with alcohol use disorder (AUD) than acamprosate, an FDA-approved drug used to reduce alcohol cravings. While not yet approved by FDA for alcohol withdrawal, gabapentinoids are sometimes prescribed off-label for that purpose. The study looked at the medical records of about 16,000 Veterans prescribed either drug for AUD from 2003 to 2021. Those taking gabapentinoids had 28% lower odds of being admitted to the hospital for alcohol withdrawal, but the death rate for both groups was similar. Acamprosate treatment requires taking two large pills three times a day, which can lead to poor compliance, while gabapentinoids are easy to swallow, which may lead to better medication adherence. The researchers concluded these anti-epilepsy medications may be a reasonable alternative to improve AUD treatment. (Journal of Hospital Medicine, Mar. 27, 2025)