Testing a medication to help people with HIV reduce drinking and control their virus

This trial is testing whether gabapentin, a medication used for nerve pain and other conditions, can help people with HIV who drink heavily to both reduce their alcohol use and get their viral load suppressed (meaning the virus becomes undetectable in their blood). The idea is that if the medication helps reduce drinking, people may be more able to take their HIV medications regularly and stay engaged with their care.

Many people with HIV struggle with heavy drinking, which makes it harder to stick with their HIV medications and keep their virus under control. Researchers want to see if this medication can help address both problems at once—reducing alcohol use while also helping people achieve better viral suppression.