Abuse and Misuse of Pregabalin and Gabapentin: A Systematic Review Update
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SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Abuse and Misuse of Pregabalin and Gabapentin: A Systematic Review Update Kirk E. Evoy1 · Sarvnaz Sadrameli1 · Jillian Contreras1 · Jordan R. Covvey2 · Alyssa M. Peckham3 · Megan D. Morrison4
© Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2020
Abstract Background A 2017 systematic review (SR) identified 59 studies examining gabapentinoid (pregabalin and gabapentin) misuse/abuse. Evidence of gabapentinoid misuse/abuse has since grown substantially. Objective Update previous SR and describe new insights regarding gabapentinoid abuse. Methods A SR of PubMed was conducted to identify studies published from 7/29/2016–8/31/2020. Four searches were performed using the following terms: “gabapentin [MeSH] OR pregabalin [MeSH] OR gabapentinoid” AND one of the following substance misuse/abuse-related terms: “substance-related disorders [MeSH]”, “overdose”, “abuse”, or “misuse”. Clinicaltrials.gov and the Cochrane Library database were searched to identify ongoing studies or similar SRs. Reference lists of included studies were reviewed to identify additional literature. All studies with novel data related to pregabalin and/ or gabapentin abuse, misuse, or overdose conducted during the study period were included. Articles not written in English, review articles, and animal studies were excluded. Results Fifty-five studies were included (29 [52.7%] from North America, 17 [30.9%] Europe, 6 [10.9%] Asia, and 3 [5.5%] Australia). Forty-six observational studies and 10 case reports/series were included (one manuscript included both). Twenty (36.4%) studied gabapentin only, 18 (32.7%) pregabalin only, and 17 (30.9%) both pregabalin/gabapentin. These studies corroborate findings from the previous SR that gabapentinoids are increasingly abused or misused to self-medicate, that gabapentinoids can produce desirable effects alone but are often used concomitantly with other drugs, and that opioid use disorder is the greatest risk factor for gabapentinoid abuse. While the original SR identified the largest studies having been published in Europe, this review identified several more generalisable US studies that have subsequently been conducted. The most concerning finding was increased evidence of associated patient harm, including increased hospital utilisation and opioid-related overdose mortality risk. Conclusion Evidence suggests that gabapentinoid misuse/abuse represents a growing trend that is causing significant patient harm. Prescribers should exercise appropriate caution with use in high-risk populations and monitor for signs of misuse or abuse.
1 Introduction Gabapentinoids (gabapentin and pregabalin) are approved by the United States (US) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for epilepsy and post-herpetic neuralgia treatment, while pregabalin carries additional indications for neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia [1]. According to the European Medicine Agency, gabapentin and pregabalin are additionally indicated for neuropathic pain and generalised anxiety * Kirk E. Evoy [email protected] Extended author information ava
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