Title:A Hidden Pandemic? Abuse of Gabapentinoids: A Brief Review of Recent Studies
Volume: 17
Issue: 1
Author(s): Gamze Zengin Ispir*, Mustafa Danısman and Kubra Sezer Katar
Affiliation:
- Alcohol and Drug Treatment and Research Center, University of Health Sciences, Ankara Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
Keywords:
Pregabalin, gabapentin, prescription drug misuse, opioid epidemic, gabapentinoid, prescription drug use disorder.
Abstract:
Background: Gabapentin and pregabalin were developed for epilepsy and neuropathic
pain. They work via voltage-gated calcium channels and are used for broad-spectrum
diagnoses, e.g., epilepsy, neuropathic pain, other chronic pain syndromes, anxiety disorders,
alcohol-drug withdrawal syndromes, agitation, insomnia, etc. Especially in a world dealing with
the opioid crisis, gabapentinoids were considered safer alternatives to opioid analgesics.
Methods: This review aims to comprehensively search and summarize recent studies concerning
the abuse of gabapentinoids published between 2021 and 2022 from various regions around
the world.
Results: Studies have highlighted that a history of substance use disorder is a significant risk
factor for gabapentinoid abuse. Concurrent abuse of gabapentinoids with illicit drugs can exacerbate
drug-related damages. Drug screening and postmortem toxicology tests have revealed an
increase in gabapentinoid consumption. In response to the abuse potential, several countries
have classified gabapentinoids as controlled substances.
Conclusion: Gabapentinoids are highly abused molecules worldwide. Physicians should be
aware of their abuse potential.
