SynthesisDrugs2026
Misuse of Pregabalin and Gabapentin: A Second Systematic Review Update.
Synthesis in Drugs, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
0 citing papers in PubMed.
No citing paper in PubMed yet.
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
5 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundA 2017 systematic review and 2021 update identified 114 studies regarding gabapentinoid (gabapentin and pregabalin) misuse, dependence, or overdose.
objectiveWe aimed to update previous systematic reviews and describe new insights regarding gabapentinoid misuse.
methodsPubMed was searched from 1 September, 2020 to 24 January, 2025 using the following four searches: "gabapentin [MeSH] OR pregabalin [MeSH] OR gabapentinoid AND" one of the following four substance misuse-related terms: "substance-related disorders [MeSH]," "overdose," "abuse," or "misuse." Additional research was identified by reviewing papers cited by included studies. Studies presenting novel data regarding gabapentinoid misuse, dependence, or overdose were included. Non-English articles, review articles, and animal studies were excluded.
resultsOne hundred studies (87 observational, 13 case reports/series) were included, from North America (33), Europe (39), Asia (20), Australia (7), and Africa (1). Sixteen studied gabapentin, 20 pregabalin, and 51 both medications. These studies corroborated previous findings that gabapentinoids are misused both for therapeutic and non-therapeutic purposes, often in conjunction with opioids or other substances, and commonly in people with substance use disorders and psychiatric conditions. Recent research built on the previous systematic review, providing more robust evidence that concomitant use with opioids or benzodiazepines increases overdose risks. New studies also highlight a growing body of evidence regarding misuse within the Middle East and North Africa, among adolescents, and in patients with chronic pain.
conclusionsNewly published evidence demonstrated that gabapentinoid misuse remains a significant concern, including in several populations not often highlighted in previous research. It provides more compelling evidence that gabapentinoids increase overdose risk, particularly when used with opioids or benzodiazepines.
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Registered trials
Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.