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Cited by 378Opioid Use Disorder TreatmentSubstance Abuse Treatment and OutcomesForensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis

Gabapentin misuse, abuse and diversion: A systematic review

Open access
Smith, Rachel V., Havens, Jennifer R., Walsh, Sharon L.·2016·Addiction
DOI 10.1111/add.13324PMC PMC5573873
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Abstract

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Since its market release, gabapentin has been presumed to have no abuse potential and subsequently has been prescribed widely off-label, despite increasing reports of gabapentin misuse. This review estimates and describes the prevalence and effects of, motivations behind and risk factors for gabapentin misuse, abuse and diversion. METHODS: Databases were searched for peer-reviewed papers demonstrating gabapentin misuse, characterized by taking a larger dosage than prescribed or taking gabapentin without a prescription, and diversion. All types of studies were considered; grey literature was excluded. Thirty-three papers met inclusion criteria, consisting of 23 case studies and 11 epidemiological reports. Published reports came from the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Finland, India, South Africa and France, and two analyzed websites not specific to a particular country. RESULTS: Prevalence of gabapentin misuse in the general population was reported to be 1%, 40-65% among individuals with prescriptions and between 15 and 22% within populations of people who abuse opioids. An array of subjective experiences reminiscent of opioids, benzodiazepines and psychedelics were reported over a range of doses, including those within clinical recommendations. Gabapentin was misused primarily for recreational purposes, self-medication or intentional self-harm and was misused alone or in combination with other substances, especially opioids, benzodiazepines and/or alcohol. Individuals with histories of drug abuse were most often involved in its misuse. CONCLUSIONS: Epidemiological and case report evidence suggests that the anti-epileptic and analgesic medication gabapentin is being misused internationally, with substance abuse populations at special risk for misuse/abuse.

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Research works printed but not linked: 2

  1. [10]National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence Neuropathic pain in adults: pharmacological management in non-specialist settings 2013 31961628
  2. [56]Stopforth J Overdose with gabapentin and lamotrigine South African medical journal = Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir geneeskunde 1997 87 1388 9472258

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Authors
Smith, R. V., Havens, J. R., & Walsh, S. L.
Affiliations
  • Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science University of Kentucky College of Medicine Lexington KY USA
  • University of Kentucky (US)
Corresponding author
Walsh, Sharon L.
ORCID
Venue
Addiction
Publisher
Wiley
Published
2016-03-18
Volume
111
Issue
7
Pages
1160-1174
ISSN
  • 0965-2140 (ISSN-L)
  • 1360-0443
DOI
10.1111/add.13324
PMC
PMC5573873
OpenAlex
W2273108584
Cited by
378
References
67
Citations by year
2026: 38 · 2025: 35 · 2024: 31 · 2023: 37 · 2022: 43 · 2021: 53 · 2020: 50 · 2019: 37 · 2018: 27 · 2017: 23 · 2016: 4
FWCI
4.53
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/termsAndConditions#vor (vor)
Locations
  • Addiction (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (acceptedVersion)
Funders
National Institute on Drug Abuse (R01DA033862)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Opioid Use Disorder Treatment
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Epidemiology › Substance Abuse Treatment and Outcomes
  • Life Sciences › Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics › Toxicology › Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis
Keywords
gabapentin, drug abuse, drug diversion, off-label drug use, prevalence, recreational drug use, self-medication, intentional self-harm, opioid use, benzodiazepine use, substance use risk factors
MeSH terms
Gabapentin, Amines, Analgesics, Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids, gamma-Aminobutyric Acid, Humans, Prevalence, Substance-Related Disorders, Prescription Drug Misuse, Prescription Drug Diversion

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