Gabapentin (Neurontin®) is FDA-approved as an adjunctive anti-epileptic for refractory partial seizures and as an analgesic for post-herpetic neuralgia. It is presumed to interact with calcium channels to regulate various neurotransmitter release (1) and is commonly prescribed off-label for other pain syndromes as well as mood and anxiety disorders (2), with few reports of abuse (2–5). However, with decreasing availability of commonly abused prescription opioids, it has been suggested that non-medical users of prescription opioids are substituting other licit (6) and illicit (7) drugs for abuse.

Nonmedical prescription opioid users in Appalachian Kentucky are abusing and diversion gabapentin, potentially substituting it for other licit and illicit drugs.

Paper

Abuse and diversion of gabapentin among nonmedical prescription opioid users in Appalachian Kentucky.

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