A Hidden Pandemic? Abuse of Gabapentinoids: A Brief Review of Recent Studies

Gamze Zengin İspir; Mustafa Danışman; Kübra Sezer Katar

doi:10.2174/0125899775268780231002064605

A Hidden Pandemic? Abuse of Gabapentinoids: A Brief Review of Recent Studies

Curr Drug Res Rev. 2023 Nov 28. doi: 10.2174/0125899775268780231002064605. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Gamze Zengin İspir¹, Mustafa Danışman¹, Kübra Sezer Katar¹

Affiliation

¹ Alcohol and Drug Treatment and Research Center, University of Health Sciences, Ankara Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.

PMID: 38031769
DOI: 10.2174/0125899775268780231002064605

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.

Keywords: Pregabalin; gabapentin; gabapentinoid; opioid epidemic; prescription drug misuse; prescription drug use disorder..