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.

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.