Gabapentin: Abuse, Dependence, and Withdrawal.

@article{Mersfelder2016GabapentinAD,
  title={Gabapentin: Abuse, Dependence, and Withdrawal.},
  author={Tracey L. Mersfelder and William H. Nichols},
  journal={The Annals of pharmacotherapy},
  year={2016},
  volume={50 3},
  pages={
          229-33
        }
}
OBJECTIVE To identify case reports and studies regarding patients who abused, became dependent on, or experienced withdrawal from gabapentin. DATA SOURCES A PubMed literature search (1993 to October 2015) was performed using the search terms gabapentin, withdrawal, dependence, and addiction. Additional references were identified from a review of literature citations. STUDY SELECTION All English-language case reports and studies were evaluated. DATA SYNTHESIS A total of 18 case reports or… 

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Reply: Gabapentin: Abuse, Dependence, and Withdrawal.

The reply summarizes very well most of the salient points made in the article—namely, that there exists a potential for misuse of gabapentin, especially among patients with other substanceabuse issues and that withdrawal symptoms may result after abrupt cessation.

[On the risk of dependence on gabapentinoids].

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Comment: Gabapentin

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Exploration of the Misuse, Abuse, and Diversion of Gabapentin

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On the addictive power of gabapentinoids: a mini-review.

The view that gabapentinoids are quite rarely addictive in the general population is supported, however, in patients with a history of SUD, gabAPentinoids (notably pregabalin) should avoided or, if thought to be beneficial, administered with caution by using a strict prescription and therapy monitoring.

How addictive are gabapentin and pregabalin? A systematic review

...

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It is proposed herein that a gabapentin taper should follow a course similar to that of a benzodiazepine taper -- slowly and over a period of weeks to months.

Gabapentin abuse, and delirium tremens upon gabapentin withdrawal.

2 patients who used larger doses of gabapentin than prescribed and who then developed a withdrawal syndrome similar to delirium tremens upon discontinuation of the drug are described.

Gabapentin-Induced Delirium and Dependence

The case described here involving a 38-year-old male physician with substance intoxication delirium and psychoactive substance dependence due to high self-administered doses of gabapentin suggests the need for heightened concern regarding the off-label prescription of this drug to vulnerable individuals with psychiatric conditions.

Akathisia Induced by Gabapentin Withdrawal

If gabapentin discontinuation is desired, it is prudent to gradually taper the dose to avoid withdrawal symptoms, which may occur after as little as 1 month of treatment.

Withdrawal symptoms after gabapentin discontinuation.

A 53-year-old woman had coffee ground emesis, a two-day history of black tarry stools, and abdominal pain, and was presumed to be suffering from ethanol withdrawal and was treated with benzodiazepines but had no improvement in symptoms.

Abuse of combinations of gabapentin and quetiapine.

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Evidence exists for abuse of both gabapentin and quetiapine, which has been removed from several prison formularies because of abuse by inmates, and patients should exercise vigilance when using either to treat patients who use alcohol or illicit drugs.

Gabapentinoid Abuse in Order to Potentiate the Effect of Methadone: A Survey among Substance Misusers

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Prescription medication misuse among opioid dependent patients seeking inpatient detoxification.

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