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An Insight into Gabapentin and Pregabalin in Scottish Prisoners
Shaza Deeb1,2, Fiona M Wylie2, Hazel J Torrance2
1Work Place Drug Testing Unit, Eurofins Forensic Services, Teddington TW11 0LY, UK.
A study in Scotland found 18% of prisoners tested positive for antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), mainly gabapentin and pregabalin. The source of these drugs, prescribed or illicit, remains unknown due to anonymous sample collection.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Toxicology
- Pharmacology
- Criminal Justice Health
Background:
- Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are widely prescribed for neurological conditions.
- The prevalence and patterns of AED use, particularly misuse, within incarcerated populations are not well-documented.
- Understanding AEDs in prisons is crucial for public health and safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of AEDs in Scottish prisoners.
- To investigate the abuse potential of AEDs within this population.
- To identify co-ingestion patterns with other drugs of abuse.
Main Methods:
- Urine samples were collected from consenting admitted and released prisoners over one month.
- Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry quantified 21 AEDs.
- Point-of-care testing screened for drugs of abuse.
Main Results:
- 18% of 904 urine samples tested positive for AEDs.
- Gabapentin (13%) and pregabalin (3.5%) were the most prevalent AEDs.
- 81% of samples contained illicit drugs, frequently benzodiazepines, opiates, and cannabis.
Conclusions:
- A high prevalence of AEDs exists in the Scottish prison system, with gabapentin and pregabalin being primary contributors.
- The study highlights potential for AED misuse within prisons.
- Further research is needed to differentiate prescribed versus illicit AED use.
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