Gabapentinoid abuse in order to potentiate the effect of methadone: a survey among substance misusers.

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.