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Related Experiment Videos

Gabapentin: Abuse, Dependence, and Withdrawal.

Tracey L Mersfelder1, William H Nichols2

  • 1Ferris State University, Big Rapids, MI, USA Mersfelt@ferris.edu.

The Annals of Pharmacotherapy
|January 2, 2016
PubMed
Summary

Gabapentin abuse, dependence, and withdrawal are documented, particularly in patients with a history of substance abuse. Healthcare providers should monitor patients for these risks and withdrawal symptoms.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Pharmacology
  • Clinical Medicine

Background:

  • Gabapentin is a medication with potential for abuse, dependence, and withdrawal.
  • Previous substance abuse history may increase the risk of gabapentin misuse.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and review case reports and studies on gabapentin abuse, dependence, and withdrawal.
  • To understand the prevalence and characteristics of gabapentin misuse.

Main Methods:

  • PubMed literature search from 1993 to October 2015 using keywords: gabapentin, withdrawal, dependence, addiction.
  • Inclusion of English-language case reports and studies.
  • Review of literature citations for additional references.

Main Results:

Keywords:
clinical pharmacydrug abusepain managementpsychiatrysubstance abusewithdrawal

Related Experiment Videos

  • 18 case reports/series identified concerning gabapentin addiction or withdrawal.
  • Addiction cases predominantly occurred in patients with prior alcohol, cocaine, or opioid abuse.
  • Average gabapentin dosage in abuse cases exceeded 3000 mg/day.
  • Gabapentin misuse reported as 1.1% in the general population and 22% in drug abuse treatment centers.
  • Withdrawal symptoms appeared within 12 hours to 7 days of discontinuation.

Conclusions:

  • Documented cases of gabapentin abuse, dependence, and withdrawal exist.
  • Patients with a history of substance abuse are at higher risk for gabapentin addiction.
  • Healthcare providers must monitor patients for drug-seeking behavior, abuse, dependence, and withdrawal symptoms, especially when gabapentin is considered for substance abuse treatment.