BACKGROUND/AIMS: There is emerging evidence of gabapentin and pregabalin (gabapentinoid) abuse, particularly in the substance misuse population, and some suggestion of gabapentinoids being abused alongside methadone. METHODS: A questionnaire-based survey was carried out in six substance misuse clinics, looking for evidence of gabapentinoid abuse. RESULTS: 22% (29/129) of respondents admitted to abusing gabapentinoids, and of these, 38% (11/29) abused gabapentinoids in order to potentiate the 'high' they obtained from methadone. CONCLUSIONS: Gabapentinoid abuse along with methadone has not previously been described. These findings are of relevance to clinicians working within both substance misuse services and chronic pain services.
BACKGROUND/AIMS: There is emerging evidence of gabapentin and pregabalin (gabapentinoid) abuse, particularly in the substance misuse population, and some suggestion of gabapentinoids being abused alongside methadone. METHODS: A questionnaire-based survey was carried out in six substance misuse clinics, looking for evidence of gabapentinoid abuse. RESULTS: 22% (29/129) of respondents admitted to abusing gabapentinoids, and of these, 38% (11/29) abused gabapentinoids in order to potentiate the 'high' they obtained from methadone. CONCLUSIONS:Gabapentinoid abuse along with methadone has not previously been described. These findings are of relevance to clinicians working within both substance misuse services and chronic pain services.
Authors: Uzoma B Duru; Gauri Pawar; Jed A Barash; Liv E Miller; Indrani K Thiruselvam; Marc W Haut Journal: Ann Intern Med Date: 2018-11-06 Impact factor: 25.391