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Can a common nerve pain drug restore brain chemistry in bipolar cannabis users?

NCT ID NCT05064319

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: Medical University of South Carolina Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jul 17, 2026 · Last updated Jul 17, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether gabapentin, an FDA-approved medication, can help restore the balance of key brain chemicals (GABA and glutamate) in people with bipolar disorder who also use cannabis. Participants are randomly assigned to receive either gabapentin or a placebo for 17 days, and undergo MRI brain scans to measure changes in brain chemistry. The goal is to see if gabapentin can improve brain function in this specific group.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance
gabapentin
What this could lead to
If successful, this could point toward a new treatment approach for people with both bipolar disorder and cannabis use disorder.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-phase trial with only 68 participants and a short 17-day treatment period, so results may not apply broadly or show clear benefit.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

bipolar disorder bipolar I disorder bipolar II disorder cannabis dependence follicular lymphoma Psychotic Disorders schizoaffective bipolar disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

BIPOLAR DISORDER BIPOLAR I DISORDER BIPOLAR II DISORDER CANNABIS USE CANNABIS USE DISORDER, MILD CANNABIS USE DISORDER, MODERATE CANNABIS USE DISORDER, SEVERE SCHIZOAFFECTIVE DISORDER, BIPOLAR TYPE

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Medical University Of South Carolina

    RECRUITING

    Charleston, South Carolina, 29425, United States

    Contact

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

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