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.
Conclusions: Gabapentinoid abuse along with methadone has not previously been described. These findings are of relevance to clinicians working within both substance misuse services and chronic pain services.
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| http://dx.doi.org/10.1159/000355268 | DOI Listing |
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