Gabapentin Dependence and Misuse

Introduction to Gabapentin Dependence

• Gabapentin can cause physical dependence, characterized by withdrawal symptoms upon abrupt discontinuation, which is different from addiction, as noted by The Lancet Psychiatry 1, 2
• In England, around half of patients who were dispensed gabapentinoids had been treated continuously for at least 12 months, which may increase risk of dependence, according to The Lancet Psychiatry 1, 2

Risk of Misuse and Abuse

• Gabapentin taken with opioids can cause dangerous respiratory depression, as reported by The Lancet Psychiatry 3, 4
• Early on, gabapentinoids were known to cause euphoria, sedation, and dissociation, but were initially believed to carry relatively low risk of dependence, as stated by The Lancet Psychiatry 3, 4

Clinical Considerations and Risks

• If gabapentin must be discontinued after long-term use, offer careful tapering and support to minimize withdrawal symptoms, as recommended by The Lancet Psychiatry 1, 2