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Arora I, Mal P, Arora P, Paul A, Kumar M. GABAergic implications in anxiety and related disorders. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 724:150218. [PMID: 38865810 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.150218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Evidence indicates that anxiety disorders arise from an imbalance in the functioning of brain circuits that govern the modulation of emotional responses to possibly threatening stimuli. The circuits under consideration in this context include the amygdala's bottom-up activity, which signifies the existence of stimuli that may be seen as dangerous. Moreover, these circuits encompass top-down regulatory processes that originate in the prefrontal cortex, facilitating the communication of the emotional significance associated with the inputs. Diverse databases (e.g., Pubmed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Google Scholar) were searched for literature using a combination of different terms e.g., "anxiety", "stress", "neuroanatomy", and "neural circuits", etc. A decrease in GABAergic activity is present in both anxiety disorders and severe depression. Research on cerebral functional imaging in depressive individuals has shown reduced levels of GABA within the cortical regions. Additionally, animal studies demonstrated that a reduction in the expression of GABAA/B receptors results in a behavioral pattern resembling anxiety. The amygdala consists of inhibitory networks composed of GABAergic interneurons, responsible for modulating anxiety responses in both normal and pathological conditions. The GABAA receptor has allosteric sites (e.g., α/γ, γ/β, and α/β) which enable regulation of neuronal inhibition in the amygdala. These sites serve as molecular targets for anxiolytic medications such as benzodiazepine and barbiturates. Alterations in the levels of naturally occurring regulators of these allosteric sites, along with alterations to the composition of the GABAA receptor subunits, could potentially act as mechanisms via which the extent of neuronal inhibition is diminished in pathological anxiety disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indu Arora
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
| | - Pankaj Mal
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
| | - Poonam Arora
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
| | - Anushka Paul
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
| | - Manish Kumar
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India.
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Mathieson S, Collie A, Maher CG, Abdel Shaheed C, Xia T, Gilbert S, Ferreira GE, Di Donato MF. Secular trends in gabapentinoid dispensing by compensated workers with low back pain: a retrospective cohort study. Occup Environ Med 2024; 81:245-251. [PMID: 38782576 PMCID: PMC11187357 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2023-109369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The increase in gabapentinoid prescribing is paralleling the increase in serious harms. To describe the low back pain workers compensation population whose management included a gabapentinoid between 2010 and 2017, and determine secular trends in, and factors associated with gabapentinoid use. METHODS We analysed claim-level and service-level data from the Victorian workers' compensation programme between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2017 for workers with an accepted claim for a low back pain injury and who had programme-funded gabapentinoid dispensing. Secular trends were calculated as a proportion of gabapentinoid dispensings per year. Poisson, negative binomial and Cox hazards models were used to examine changes over time in incidence and time to first dispensing. RESULTS Of the 17 689 low back pain claimants, one in seven (14.7%) were dispensed at least one gabapentinoid during the first 2 years (n=2608). The proportion of workers who were dispensed a gabapentinoid significantly increased over time (7.9% in 2010 to 18.7% in 2017), despite a reduction in the number of claimants dispensed pain-related medicines. Gabapentinoid dispensing was significantly associated with an opioid analgesic or anti-depressant dispensing claim, but not claimant-level characteristics. The time to first gabapentinoid dispensing significantly decreased over time from 311.9 days (SD 200.7) in 2010 to 148.2 days (SD 183.1) in 2017. CONCLUSIONS The proportion of claimants dispensed a gabapentinoid more than doubled in the period 2010-2017; and the time to first dispensing halved during this period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Mathieson
- Sydney Musculoskeletal Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alex Collie
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christopher G Maher
- Sydney Musculoskeletal Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Christina Abdel Shaheed
- Sydney Musculoskeletal Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ting Xia
- Monash Addiction Research Centre, Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stephen Gilbert
- Sydney Musculoskeletal Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Giovanni E Ferreira
- Sydney Musculoskeletal Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Michael F Di Donato
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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3
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Mathieson S, O'Keeffe M, Traeger AC, Ferreira GE, Abdel Shaheed C. Content and sentiment analysis of gabapentinoid-related tweets: An infodemiology study. Drug Alcohol Rev 2024; 43:45-55. [PMID: 36539307 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The increasing number of gabapentinoid (pregabalin and gabapentin) harms, including deaths observed across countries is concerning to health-care professionals and policy makers. However, it is unclear if the public shares these concerns. This study aimed to describe posts related to gabapentinoids, conduct a content analysis to identify common themes and describe adverse events or symptoms. METHODS Keywords of 'pregabalin' or 'Lyrica' or 'gabapentin' or 'Neurontin' were used to search for related tweets posted by people in the community between 8 March and 7 May 2021. Eligible tweets included a keyword in the post. We extracted de-identified data which included descriptive data of the total number of posts over time; and data on individual tweets including date, number of re-tweets and post content. Data were exported separately for pregabalin- and gabapentin-related tweets. A 20% random sample was used for the thematic analysis. RESULTS There were 2931 pregabalin-related tweets and 2736 gabapentin-related tweets. Thematic analysis revealed three themes (sharing positive experiences and benefits of taking gabapentinoids, people voicing their negative experiences, and people seeking opinions and sharing information). Positive experiences of gabapentinoids were related to sharing stories and giving advice. This was contrasted to negative experiences including ineffectiveness, withdrawals, side effects and frustration related to cost and insurance coverage. Brain fog was the most common adverse symptom reported. Gabapentinoid-related deaths were only mentioned in three tweets. DISCUSSION The increasing public health concern of gabapentinoid-related deaths was not translated to Twitter discussions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Mathieson
- Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, The University of Sydney and Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Mary O'Keeffe
- Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, The University of Sydney and Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Adrian C Traeger
- Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, The University of Sydney and Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Giovanni E Ferreira
- Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, The University of Sydney and Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Christina Abdel Shaheed
- Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, The University of Sydney and Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Neukamm MA, Halter S, Auwärter V, Schmitt G, Giorgetti A, Bartel M. Death after smoking of fentanyl, 5F-ADB, 5F-MDMB-P7AICA and other synthetic cannabinoids with a bucket bong. Forensic Toxicol 2024; 42:82-92. [PMID: 37300633 PMCID: PMC10808286 DOI: 10.1007/s11419-023-00666-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE We report a case of a polydrug user who consumed various synthetic cannabinoids and fentanyl from a transdermal patch via a bucket bong. Toxicological results from postmortem matrices with special focus on synthetic cannabinoids are discussed in terms of their relevance to the death. METHODS The samples were analyzed by toxicological screening procedures involving immunoassays and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) as well as quantitative analyses by means of GC-MS and high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). RESULTS At the autopsy, coronary artery disease and signs of liver congestion were noted, in the absence of acute myocardial ischemic changes. Femoral blood concentrations of fentanyl and pregabalin were 14 ng/mL and 3,200 ng/mL, respectively. In addition, 2.7 ng/mL 5F-ADB and 13 ng/mL 5F-MDMB-P7AICA were detected together with relatively low amounts of 5 other synthetic cannabinoids in cardiac blood. A total number of up to 17 synthetic cannabinoids were detected in kidney, liver, urine and hair. Fentanyl and 5F-ADB were also detected in the water of the bucket bong. CONCLUSIONS The cause of death could be attributed to an acute mixed intoxication by fentanyl and 5F-ADB (both Toxicological Significance Score (TSS) = 3) with a contribution of pregabalin and 5F-MDMB-P7AICA (TSS = 2), in a subject suffering from pre-existing heart damage. The most plausible mechanism of death consists in a respiratory depression. This case report demonstrates that use of opioids in combination with synthetic cannabinoids might be particularly dangerous.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merja A Neukamm
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Albertstrasse 9, 79104, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Sebastian Halter
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Albertstrasse 9, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Volker Auwärter
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Albertstrasse 9, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Georg Schmitt
- Institute of Forensic and Traffic Medicine, University Hospital, Voßstrasse 2, 69115, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Arianna Giorgetti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Unit of Legal Medicine, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 49, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marc Bartel
- Institute of Forensic and Traffic Medicine, University Hospital, Voßstrasse 2, 69115, Heidelberg, Germany
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Durand L, O'Kane A, Tierney J, Cronly M, Bennett KE, Kavanagh Y, Keenan E, Cousins G. Gabapentinoids in Ireland 2010 to 2020: An observational study of trends in gabapentinoid prescribing, law enforcement drug seizures and postmortem toxicology. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2023. [PMID: 38072974 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.15984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS We explored trends in gabapentinoid prescribing, drug seizures and postmortem toxicology using a national pharmacy claims database, law enforcement drug seizures data and a population-based postmortem toxicology database. METHODS Gabapentinoid prescribing rates per 100 000 eligible population (2010-2020), annual number of drug seizures involving gabapentinoids (2012-2020) and gabapentinoid detection (positive) rates per 100 postmortem toxicology case (2013-2020) were calculated. Negative binomial regression models were used to evaluate longitudinal trends for gabapentin and pregabalin separately. RESULTS Gabapentin (adjusted rate ratio [RR] 1.06, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05-1.06, P < .001) and pregabalin (adjusted RR 1.08, 95% CI 1.08-1.09, P < .001) prescribing increased annually, with higher rates of pregabalin (vs. gabapentin) observed every year. Drug seizures involving pregabalin also increased over time (RR 1.54 95% CI 1.25-1.90, P < .0001). Of the 26 317 postmortem toxicology cases, 0.92% tested positive for gabapentin, and 6.37% for pregabalin. Detection rates increased for both gabapentin (RR 1.28, 95% CI 1.11-1.48, P < .001) and pregabalin (RR 1.13, 95% CI 1.11-1.48, P < .001) between 2013 and 2020. A total of 1901 cases (7.2%) tested positive for heroin/methadone; this sub-group had a higher detection rate for pregabalin (n = 528, 27.8%) and gabapentin (n = 41, 2.2%) over the study period, with a high burden of codetections for pregabalin with benzodiazepines (peaking at 37.3% in 2018), and pregabalin with prescription opioids (peaking at 28.9% in 2020). CONCLUSION This study raises concerns regarding the wide availability of pregabalin in Ireland, including a growing illicit supply, and the potential for serious harm arising from poly drug use involving pregabalin among people who use heroin or methadone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Durand
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Aoife O'Kane
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Julie Tierney
- Human Toxicology, The State Laboratory, Kildare, Ireland
| | - Mark Cronly
- Human Toxicology, The State Laboratory, Kildare, Ireland
| | - Kathleen E Bennett
- Data Science Centre, School of Population Health, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Yvonne Kavanagh
- Chemical Analysis Discipline, Forensic Science Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Eamon Keenan
- National Social Inclusion Office, Health Service Executive, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Gráinne Cousins
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
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Riley F, Harris M, Poulter HL, Moore HJ, Ahmed D, Towl G, Walker T. 'This is hardcore': a qualitative study exploring service users' experiences of Heroin-Assisted Treatment (HAT) in Middlesbrough, England. Harm Reduct J 2023; 20:66. [PMID: 37173697 PMCID: PMC10182620 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-023-00785-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heroin-Assisted Treatment (HAT) is well evidenced internationally to improve health and social outcomes for people dependent on opioids who have not been helped by traditional treatment options. Despite this evidence base, England has been slow to implement HAT. The first service outside of a trial setting opened in 2019, providing twice-daily supervised injections of medical-grade heroin (diamorphine) to a select sample of high-risk heroin users in Middlesbrough. This paper explores their experiences, including the negotiation of the strict regularly controls required of a novel intervention in the UK context. METHODS We conducted in-depth interviews with service providers and users of the Middlesbrough HAT service between September and November 2021. Data from each group were thematically analysed and reported separately. This paper details the experiences of the twelve heroin dependent men and women accessing HAT. RESULTS Participants' accounts of HAT treatment evidenced a tension between the regulatory constraints and uncertainty of treatment provision, and the positive outcomes experienced through supportive service provision and an injectable treatment option. Limited confidence was held in treatment efficacy, longevity of funding, and personal capacity for treatment success. This was counteracted by a strong motivation to cease engagement with the illicit drug market. While attendance requirements placed restrictions on daily activities, participants also experienced benefits from strong, supportive bonds built with the service providers through their continued engagement. CONCLUSIONS The Middlesbrough HAT programme provided benefits to a high-risk population of opioid dependent people who were unable or disinclined to participate in conventional opioid substitution treatments. The findings in this paper highlight the potential for service modifications to further enhance engagement. The closure of this programme in 2022 prohibits this opportunity for the Middlesbrough community, but holds potential to inform advocacy and innovation for future HAT interventions in England.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fleur Riley
- Department of Psychology, Durham University, Durham, DH1 3LE, England, UK.
| | - Magdalena Harris
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, WC1E 7HT, England, UK
| | - Hannah Louise Poulter
- School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Law, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, TS1 3BX, England, UK
| | - Helen J Moore
- School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Law, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, TS1 3BX, England, UK
| | - Daniel Ahmed
- Foundations Medical Practice, Acklam Road, Middlesbrough, TS5 4EQ, England, UK
| | - Graham Towl
- Department of Psychology, Durham University, Durham, DH1 3LE, England, UK
| | - Tammi Walker
- Department of Psychology, Durham University, Durham, DH1 3LE, England, UK
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Hammad AM, Naser A, Amawi H, Hall FS, Tiwari AK, Al-Trad B. Effect of amoxicillin/clavulanic acid in attenuating pregabalin-induced condition place preference. Behav Brain Res 2023; 439:114244. [PMID: 36470419 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.114244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Substance abuse is a worldwide problem with serious repercussions for patients and the communities where they live. Pregabalin (Lyrica), is a medication commonly used to treat neuropathic pain. Like other analgesic medications there has been concern about pregabalin abuse and misuse. Although it was initially suggested that pregabalin, like other gabapentinoids, has limited abuse liability, questions still remain concerning this inquiry. Changes in glutamate system homeostasis are a hallmark of adaptations underlying drug dependence, including down-regulation of the glutamate transporter 1 (GLT-1; SLC1A2) and the cystine/glutamate antiporter (xCT; SLC7A11). In this study, it was found that pregabalin (90 mg/kg) produces a conditioned place preference (CPP), indicative of reinforcing effects that suggest a potential for abuse liability. Moreover, like other drugs of abuse, pregabalin also produced alterations in glutamate homeostasis, reducing the mRNA expression of Slc1a2 and Slc7a11 in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Amoxicillin clavulanic acid, a β-lactam antibiotic, blocked the reinforcing effects of pregabalin and normalized glutamate homeostasis. These results suggest that pregabalin has abuse potential that should be examined more critically, and that, moreover, the mechanisms underlying these effects are similar to those of other drugs of abuse, such as heroin and cocaine. Additionally, these results support previous findings showing normalization of glutamate homeostasis by β-lactam drugs that provides a novel potential therapeutic approach for the treatment of drug abuse and dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaa M Hammad
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan.
| | - Asma'a Naser
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Yarmouk University, Irbid 21163, Jordan
| | - Haneen Amawi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, Yarmouk University, Irbid 21163, Jordan
| | - F Scott Hall
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Amit K Tiwari
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Bahaa Al-Trad
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Yarmouk University, Irbid 21163, Jordan
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Antunovic M, Vucinic S, Kotur-Stevuljevic J, Krstic K, Jovic-Stosic J, Kilibarda V, Perkovic-Vukcevic N, Djordjevic S. Rise of Pregabalin Poisoning and Abuse Cases in Serbia: A Ten-Year Retrospective Study. Int J Gen Med 2023; 16:1239-1250. [PMID: 37065979 PMCID: PMC10094400 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s405616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The aim of this study was to analyze data on gabapentinoid-related attendances to the National Poison Control Center of Serbia (NPCC), particularly abuse cases; to estimate its changes and to compare it with trends in national consumption rates of these drugs. We also aimed to analyze the main characteristics of the study population and to investigate the major clinical effects in poisoned patients. Patients and Methods This is a retrospective study of patients admitted to the NPCC for acute poisoning involving gabapentinoids from 1 May 2012 to 1 October 2022. Results There were 357 (95.5%) pregabalin-related and 17 (4.5%) gabapentin-related poisoning cases in 302 patients. Abuse of pregabalin was detected in 27.8% (84/302), while gabapentin abuse occurred in 0.7% (2/302) of all patients. A steady increase in rates of pregabalin poisoning and abuse cases strongly correlated with the increase in overall consumption of this drug, while there were no significant changes in rates of gabapentin consumption, poisoning and abuse rate during the study period. Most patients who abused pregabalin pregabalin were males (84.5%) and the median age was 26 years (range: 15-45 years). Almost 60% of patients who abused pregabalin (48/84) belonged to the migrant population. Co-ingestions occurred in 89.4% of pregabalin-related cases (319/357), resulting in more severe poisoning. The most often co-ingested drugs were benzodiazepines and among them clonazepam was detected in the largest number of cases. Conclusion The poisoning and abuse cases involving pregabalin are on the rise in Serbia, which coincided with an increase in its overall consumption during the study period. Isolated pregabalin ingestions resulted in mild poisoning, although severe symptoms such as coma and bradycardia were recorded. When prescribing pregabalin to patients at risk of abuse caution is needed. Strengthening the measures for dispensing of pregabalin may reduce the risks associated with its abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marko Antunovic
- Medical Faculty Military Medical Academy, University of Defense, Belgrade, Serbia
- National Poison Control Center, Military Medical Academy, Belgrade, Serbia
- Correspondence: Marko Antunovic, National Poison Control Center, Military Medical Academy, Crnotravska 17, Belgrade, 11040, Serbia, Tel +381 11 3608 264, Fax +381 11 367 21 87 264, Email
| | - Slavica Vucinic
- Medical Faculty Military Medical Academy, University of Defense, Belgrade, Serbia
- National Poison Control Center, Military Medical Academy, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jelena Kotur-Stevuljevic
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Kristijan Krstic
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Jasmina Jovic-Stosic
- Medical Faculty Military Medical Academy, University of Defense, Belgrade, Serbia
- National Poison Control Center, Military Medical Academy, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Vesna Kilibarda
- Medical Faculty Military Medical Academy, University of Defense, Belgrade, Serbia
- National Poison Control Center, Military Medical Academy, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Natasa Perkovic-Vukcevic
- Medical Faculty Military Medical Academy, University of Defense, Belgrade, Serbia
- National Poison Control Center, Military Medical Academy, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Snezana Djordjevic
- Medical Faculty Military Medical Academy, University of Defense, Belgrade, Serbia
- National Poison Control Center, Military Medical Academy, Belgrade, Serbia
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Badi ASA, Hashar AA, Riyami IA, Za'abi MA. A snapshot on the usage pattern of gabapentinoids in Oman. Pharm Pract (Granada) 2022; 20:2693. [PMID: 36733519 PMCID: PMC9851813 DOI: 10.18549/pharmpract.2022.3.2693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Since their introduction as adjunct anticonvulsants, the use of gabapentinoids (gabapentin and pregabalin) has increased substantially worldwide to include a wide range of clinical conditions. Various reports have demonstrated that they possess addiction liability and can produce effects similar to traditional recreational drugs, such as significant euphoric effects, enhanced sociability, and relaxation. However, there is limited information on the use of these agents in the Middle East. Objectives Here, we describe the usage pattern of gabapentinoids at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, a tertiary care medical institution in Oman. Methods Adult patients (≥18 years) who were prescribed gabapentinoids for six months (March-August 2019) were included in this retrospective cross-sectional study. Indications and dosing regimens were reviewed according to the Food and Drug Administration labeling. Controlled and restricted drugs were reviewed using Oman National Formulary. Institutional ethical approval was obtained before conducting the study. Results We analyzed 291 prescriptions. The mean (standard deviation, SD) age was 60.5 years (SD = 13.0) with the age group of ≥60 years being the most common (190, 65.3%). Most of patients were females (178, 61.2%). The majority of prescriptions were for outpatients (85.8%). Drugs were prescribed as refill and follow-up in 116 (40.0%) and 97 (33.4%) of prescriptions, respectively. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (50, 79.4%) was the most labeled indication for both. Off-label use was 128 (51.8%) and 31 (70.5%) for pregabalin and gabapentin, respectively, with lower back pain as being the most common indication for both drugs. A total of 54 (19.0%) patients were using at least one of the psychotropic drugs. Conclusions Our findings indicate that gabapentinoids are frequently prescribed for off-label use. Awareness programs and the establishment of policy for the use of these drugs are required to ensure their rational use and prevent misuse and/or abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulaziz Said Al Badi
- MSc, Department of Pharmacy, Sultan Qaboos Comprehensive Cancer Care and Research Center, Muscat, Oman.
| | - Amna Al Hashar
- PhD. Department of Pharmacy, Sultan Qaboos Comprehensive Cancer Care and Research Center, Muscat, Oman.
| | - Intisar Al Riyami
- MSc. Department of Pharmacy, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman.
| | - Mohammed Al Za'abi
- MD, PhD. Professor, Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman.
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10
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Kalk NJ, Chiu CT, Sadoughi R, Baho H, Williams BD, Taylor D, Copeland CS. Fatalities associated with gabapentinoids in England (2004-2020). Br J Clin Pharmacol 2022; 88:3911-3917. [PMID: 35435281 PMCID: PMC9543893 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.15352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The gabapentinoids were reclassified as Schedule II medications and Class C drugs in the UK in 2019 due to their potential misuse. In this study we examined deaths following gabapentinoid use in England reported to the National Programme on Substance Abuse Deaths. A total of 3051 deaths were reported (gabapentin: 913 cases; pregabalin: 2322 cases [both detected in 184 cases]). Prescribed and illicitly obtained gabapentinoids accounted for similar proportions of deaths (gabapentin illicit 38.0%, prescribed 37.1%; pregabalin illicit 41.0%, prescribed 34.6%). Opioids were co‐detected in most cases (92.0%), and co‐prescribed in a quarter (25.3%). Postmortem blood gabapentinoid concentrations were commonly (sub)therapeutic (65.0% of gabapentin cases; 50.8% of pregabalin cases). In only two cases was gabapentinoid toxicity alone attributed in causing death. Gabapentinoids alone rarely cause death. Clinically relevant doses can, however, prove fatal, possibly by reducing tolerance to opioids. Doctors and patients should be aware of this interaction. Gabapentinoid–opioid co‐prescribing needs urgent revision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola J Kalk
- Department of Addictions, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.,South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, KCH Alcohol Care Team, London, UK
| | - Ching-Ting Chiu
- Centre for Pharmaceutical Medicine Research, Institute of Pharmaceutical. Science, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Rasa Sadoughi
- Population Health Research Institute, St George's, University of London, London, UK
| | - Heli Baho
- Population Health Research Institute, St George's, University of London, London, UK
| | | | - David Taylor
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, KCH Alcohol Care Team, London, UK.,Centre for Pharmaceutical Medicine Research, Institute of Pharmaceutical. Science, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Caroline S Copeland
- Centre for Pharmaceutical Medicine Research, Institute of Pharmaceutical. Science, King's College London, London, UK.,Population Health Research Institute, St George's, University of London, London, UK
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11
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Aindow S, Crossin R, Toop L, Hudson B. Managing the misuse potential and risk of psychological harm from gabapentinoids in primary care in New Zealand. J Prim Health Care 2021; 13:302-307. [PMID: 34937640 DOI: 10.1071/hc21011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Gabapentinoid prescribing is increasing in New Zealand. International evidence suggests that this prescribing trend is followed by increasing harms, including misuse, dependence, overdose, and psychological harms including suicidal thoughts or behaviours. However, there is limited guidance for prescribers on how to manage these potential harms. Here, we summarise the current international literature and identify three main risk factors that can be used for screening purposes when considering prescribing a gabapentinoid, to identify patients that may be at greater risk of harm. Based on current knowledge of harms, we provide guidance to prescribers on monitoring patients taking gabapentinoids. Finally, we summarise the evidence regarding tapering, and highlight key knowledge gaps including other interventions, referral, and data from primary care populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaun Aindow
- University of Otago Medical School, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Rose Crossin
- Department of Population Health, University of Otago Medical School, 34 Gloucester St, Christchurch, New Zealand; and Corresponding author.
| | - Les Toop
- Department of General Practice, University of Otago Medical School, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Ben Hudson
- Department of General Practice, University of Otago Medical School, Christchurch, New Zealand
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12
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Hofmann M, Besson M. Gabapentinoids: The rise of a new misuse epidemics? Psychiatry Res 2021; 305:114193. [PMID: 34534775 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2021.114193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Gabapentinoids and opioids have in common that they are used in medicine in the treatment of pain, and by addicts in recreational use. In recent years, in the context of the "opioid epidemics", gabapentinoids, which had a reputation for low risk of abuse, have been increasingly prescribed. This was accompanied by increasingly frequent abuses, the patients most at risk being those suffering from opiate addiction. However, gabapentinoids increase the risks associated with opioids or other sedatives, due to a synergy of central depressant effects. This leads to reconsider the framework of their prescription and the management of chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel Hofmann
- Department of Psychiatry, Service of psychiatric specialties, Mood disorder unit, Geneva University Hospitals, Rue de Lausanne 20, CH-1201, Geneva, Switzerland; Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Anesthesiology, Psychopharmacology Unit, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Marie Besson
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Anesthesiology, Psychopharmacology Unit, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland; Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive care and Pharmacology, Multidisciplinary Pain Center, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
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13
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Duhart Clarke SE, Kral AH, Zibbell JE. Consuming illicit opioids during a drug overdose epidemic: Illicit fentanyls, drug discernment, and the radical transformation of the illicit opioid market. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2021; 99:103467. [PMID: 34662847 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2021.103467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND North America continues to face an opioid overdose epidemic, driven by persistent increases in illicit fentanyls and fluctuations in potency leading to uncertainty for consumers. This qualitative study was conducted to better understand how people who inject drugs (PWID) came to recognize fentanyl as a growing adulterant of heroin and the subsequent sensory discernment strategies they employed to continue injecting. Our main objective was to investigate how observations and knowledge are combined as homegrown techniques for detecting fentanyl and minimizing risk. Secondary objectives were to examine the impact of growing fentanyl adulteration on individual drug use behavior. METHODS Between April and May 2019, 28 PWID (18 men, 10 women; average age = 38.43 years, SD = 9.26) were purposely recruited from a needle services program in Greensboro, North Carolina. Study participants were interviewed in-person using a qualitative, semi-structured instrument. Interviews were analyzed with a general inductive approach using NVivo12. RESULTS Participants described methods for detecting fentanyl in illicit opioids. Sudden increases in the potency of the 'rush' and sharp decreases in the length of the 'high' were chief indicators along with changes in drug color and texture. Heavy sedation was associated with fentanyl use and histamine-releasing effects characterized as 'pins and needles' were ascribed to injecting fentanyl as a component of the rush. Fentanyl's short high helped explain higher injection frequency and heavy sedation was the leading reason for co-using fentanyl with cocaine/crack or methamphetamine. CONCLUSION PWID have the capacity to recognize changes to the illicit opioid supply. Study participants navigated unpredictable fluctuations in the illicit opioid market by employing homegrown discernment techniques, modifying drug use behavior, and co-using non-opioid drugs. Researchers and policymakers should involve PWID as subject matter experts to help modernize harm reduction for the fentanyl age with practical strategies to boost resiliency and save lives.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alex H Kral
- RTI International, Durham, NC, United states
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14
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Evoy KE, Peckham AM, Covvey JR, Tidgewell KJ. Gabapentinoid Pharmacology in the Context of Emerging Misuse Liability. J Clin Pharmacol 2021; 61 Suppl 2:S89-S99. [PMID: 34396549 DOI: 10.1002/jcph.1833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
This article will review the epidemiology and pharmacology of gabapentinoids (gabapentin and pregabalin) relevant to their emerging misuse potential and provide guidance for clinical and regulatory management. Gabapentinoids are γ-aminobutyric acid analogues that produce their therapeutic effects by inhibiting voltage-gated calcium channels and decreasing neurotransmitter release. Recently gabapentinoid prescribing and use have increased tremendously. Although traditionally thought to possess a favorable safety profile, gabapentinoid misuse has also risen significantly. Gabapentinoid misuse generally occurs in combination with other substances, most notably opioids, and may be for purposes of eliciting euphoric effects, enhancing the effects of other substances, or self-treating conditions such as withdrawal, pain, anxiety, or insomnia. Given its faster onset, increased bioavailability and potency, and nonsaturable absorption, pregabalin's pharmacokinetics theoretically enhance its misuse liability versus gabapentin. However, gabapentin can produce similar euphoric effects, and epidemiologic studies have identified higher rates of gabapentin misuse in the United States, likely because of greater availability and less regulated prescribing. Although adverse events of gabapentinoid-only ingestion are relatively benign, a growing body of evidence indicates that gabapentinoids significantly increase opioid-related morbidity and mortality when used concomitantly. In addition, significant withdrawal effects may occur on abrupt discontinuation. As a result of these trends, several US states have begun to further regulate gabapentinoid prescribing, reclassifying it as a controlled substance or mandating reporting to local prescription drug-monitoring programs. Although increased regulation of gabapentin prescribing may be warranted, harm reduction efforts and increased patient and provider education are necessary to mitigate this concerning gabapentinoid misuse trend.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirk E Evoy
- The University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy, Austin, Texas, USA.,University Health System, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Alyssa M Peckham
- School of Pharmacy, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Pharmacy, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jordan R Covvey
- Duquesne University School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kevin J Tidgewell
- Duquesne University School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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15
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Tosti G, Attal N. Trattamento farmacologico dei dolori neuropatici. Neurologia 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/s1634-7072(21)45318-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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16
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Horowitz MA, Kelleher M, Taylor D. Should gabapentinoids be prescribed long-term for anxiety and other mental health conditions? Addict Behav 2021; 119:106943. [PMID: 33931301 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2021.106943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Prescription rates for gabapentinoids are rising in England. Pregabalin is currently recommended by NICE for the treatment of anxiety. Gabapentinoids have some overlap with the action of benzodiazepines, and have similar issues with tolerance, dependence, addiction and withdrawal. They were scheduled as class C controlled drugs in 2019 because of these risks. There were 244 deaths due to poisoning recorded by the ONS in 2019 involving pregabalin. Poisonings due to pregabalin usually involve concomitant use of opioids or other drugs. The rate of deaths involving pregabalin has been rising steeply for the last 10 years, and now exceeds those attributed to diazepam, fentanyl, the tricyclics as a group or SSRIs as a group. Evidence for the use of pregabalin in anxiety is derived from short-term trials, with marginal differences from placebo, which do not take into account the longer term effects of tolerance, dependence and withdrawal. We call on NICE to re-evaluate their support for use of pregabalin in anxiety in light of its known harms. The use of gabapentinoids off-label for other psychiatric conditions should also be re-considered. In general, psychotropic medications require longer term efficacy and safety studies before allowing widespread use.
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17
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Goins A, Patel K, Alles SRA. The gabapentinoid drugs and their abuse potential. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 227:107926. [PMID: 34171338 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The gabapentinoid drugs, gabapentin and pregabalin, are first-line treatments for neuropathic pain. The epidemics of chronic pain and opioid misuse have given rise to the widespread use of non-opioid drugs such as the gabapentinoids for treatment. Unfortunately, the widespread use of gabapentinoid drugs has resulted in reports of misuse and abuse. Here we summarize the clinical reports of gabapentinoid abuse in different patient populations to help inform clinical practice of chronic pain management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleyah Goins
- Department of Anesthesiology & Critical Care Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Keisha Patel
- Department of Anesthesiology & Critical Care Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Sascha R A Alles
- Department of Anesthesiology & Critical Care Medicine, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, USA.
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18
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Nahar KL, Murphy K, Paterson S. Toxicological Relevance of Pregabalin in Heroin Users: A Two-Year Post-Mortem Population Study. J Anal Toxicol 2021; 46:471-478. [PMID: 34114622 PMCID: PMC9122506 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkab070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Pregabalin (PGL) is a gabapentinoid used to treat epilepsy, neuropathic pain and generalized anxiety disorder. PGL is also misused by heroin users as it enhances the effects of heroin. While it is thought those who misuse PGL take it in amounts greater than the recommended therapeutic dose, it is unknown whether there is a significant difference between the amounts of PGL used by heroin users compared to non-heroin users. This study hypothesised that the PGL concentrations in post-mortem samples taken from heroin users positive for PGL would be higher than those in non-heroin users. Between 01.01.2016 and 31.12.2017, a routine drugs screen and a specific screen for PGL was carried out on femoral-vein bloods from 3,750 post-mortem Coroners' cases. Of the cases screened, 354 were heroin users, of which 264 cases were negative for gabapentinoids and therefore used as the control-heroin users group. PGL was positive in 229 cases, of which 69 were heroin users and 160 were non-heroin users. On comparing the PGL concentrations, statistically higher concentrations were observed in the heroin users compared to non-heroin users (P = 0.002). There was no correlation between the concentrations of PGL and morphine (from heroin) in the heroin users (P = 0.95), and the amount of heroin (morphine) consumed was not dependant on whether PGL was consumed or not (P = 0.98). The prevalence of anti-depressants, benzodiazepines, methadone and non-heroin related opioids were seen to be significantly higher in heroin users that were positive for PGL than the control-heroin users (P = < 0.001 for all drugs). This study suggests that heroin users are using greater amounts of PGL compared to non-heroin users; however, the magnitude of the difference in use may not be sufficient to conclude that heroin users are at substantially greater risk of pregabalin toxicity compared to non-heroin users. Results indicate that heroin users who take PGL are more likely to use multiple depressant drugs, hence increasing the risk of multi-drug toxicity and death in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khatun Limon Nahar
- Imperial College London, Toxicology Unit, Charing Cross Campus, St. Dunstan's Road, London W6 8RP, UK
| | - Kevin Murphy
- Imperial College London, Department of Endocrinology & Metabolism, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Sue Paterson
- Imperial College London, Toxicology Unit, Charing Cross Campus, St. Dunstan's Road, London W6 8RP, UK
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19
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Garakani A, Murrough JW, Freire RC, Thom RP, Larkin K, Buono FD, Iosifescu DV. Pharmacotherapy of Anxiety Disorders: Current and Emerging Treatment Options. FOCUS (AMERICAN PSYCHIATRIC PUBLISHING) 2021; 19:222-242. [PMID: 34690588 PMCID: PMC8475923 DOI: 10.1176/appi.focus.19203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
(Appeared originally in Frontiers in Psychiatry 2020 Dec 23; 11:595584)
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20
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James A, Niraj S, Mittal M, Niraj G. Risk of infection within 4 weeks of corticosteroid injection (CSI) in the management of chronic pain during a pandemic: a cohort study in 216 patients. Scand J Pain 2021; 21:804-808. [PMID: 34010525 DOI: 10.1515/sjpain-2021-0051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Targeted corticosteroid injections (CSI) are one of the treatments that can provide pain relief and thereby, enhance quality of life in patients with chronic pain. Corticosteroids (CS) are known to impair immune response. The objective was to evaluate the risk of developing post-procedural infection within 4 weeks of receiving depot CSI for chronic pain as part of on going quality improvement project. We hypothesised that interventional treatment with depot steroids will not cause a significant increase in clinical infection in the first 4 weeks. METHODS Telephone follow-up was performed as a part of prospective longitudinal audit in a cohort of patients who received interventional treatment for chronic pain at a multidisciplinary pain medicine centre based at a university teaching hospital. Patients who received interventional treatment in the management of chronic pain under a single physician between October 2019 and December 2020 were followed up over telephone as part of on going longitudinal audits. Data was collected on any infection within 4 and 12 weeks of receiving the intervention. Outcomes collected included type of intervention, dose of depot steroids and pain relief obtained at 12 weeks following intervention. RESULTS Over a 15 month period, 261 patients received pain interventions with depot CS. There was no loss to follow-up. Nine patients reported an infection within 4 weeks of receiving depot steroids (9/261, 3.4%). None of the patients tested positive for Covid-19. Eight patients (8/261, 3%) reported an infection between 5 and 12 weeks following the corticosteroid intervention. Although none of the patients tested positive for Covid-19, two patients presented with clinical and radiological features suggestive of Covid-19. Durable analgesia was reported by 51% (133/261) and clinically significant analgesia by 30% (78/261) at 12 weeks following the intervention. Failure rate was 19% (50/261). CONCLUSIONS Pain medicine interventions with depot steroids do not appear to overtly increase the risk for Covid-19 infection in the midst of a pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arul James
- Clinical Research Unit in Pain Medicine, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
| | - Shruti Niraj
- Clinical Research Unit in Pain Medicine, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
| | - Manish Mittal
- Clinical Research Unit in Pain Medicine, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
| | - G Niraj
- Clinical Research Unit in Pain Medicine, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
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21
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Dufayet L, Care W, Deheul S, Laborde-Casterot H, Nisse P, Langrand J, Vodovar D. Increase in pregabalin recreational use in adolescents in France. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2021; 59:1027-1030. [PMID: 33733968 DOI: 10.1080/15563650.2021.1892719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Misuse/abuse of pregabalin is increasing worldwide. French Poison Control Centers (PCCs) recently received several unusual calls regarding the recreational use of pregabalin in adolescents. This study aims to describe this new and specific population of pregabalin misusers. METHODS We extracted all cases of pregabalin intentional exposures reported to the French National Database of Poisonings (FNDP) from 2004 to 2020. We compared the proportion of recreational exposure to pregabalin between adolescents (10-17 years) and adults (>18 years). We reviewed all cases of pregabalin recreational exposures in adolescent in order to describe the characteristics of this population. RESULTS During the study period, 382 cases of acute intentional exposure to pregabalin were reported in adolescents and 1188 in adults, 94/382 (24.6%) and 43/1188 (3.6%) were pregabalin recreational use, respectively (p < .0001). Almost all cases of pregabalin recreational use in adolescent were reported from 2018 (86/94; 91%). Most of those adolescent patients were males (male/female ratio - 5.3:1) and the median age was 15 years (range: 11-17.8). They were homeless or living in migrant shelters in most of the cases (73/90, 81%). Two-third of these exposures (62/94; 66%) involved other toxicant(s) than pregabalin. Most of the patients remains asymptomatic (10/94; 11%), or developed minor to moderate neurological symptoms (76/94; 81%). Eight developed severe symptoms (8/94; 8%) including coma (5/8) or generalized seizures (2/8). Five patients (5/8) required oro-tracheal intubation. No fatality was reported. CONCLUSIONS We observed a sharp increase in pregabalin recreational use in adolescents in France. It should lead to prevention campaigns, targeted at the population at risk described in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurene Dufayet
- Unité Médico-Judiciaire, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris - Hôtel Dieu, Paris, France.,UFR de médecine, Université de Paris, Paris, France.,Faculté de Pharmacie de Paris, INSERM UMRS 1144, Paris, France.,Centre antipoison et de Toxicovigilance de Paris, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris - Hôpital Fernand Widal, Paris, France
| | - Weniko Care
- Faculté de Pharmacie de Paris, INSERM UMRS 1144, Paris, France.,Centre antipoison et de Toxicovigilance de Paris, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris - Hôpital Fernand Widal, Paris, France.,Service de médecine interne, Service de Santé des armées - Hôpital d'Instruction des Armées Bégin, Saint-Mandé, France
| | - Sylvie Deheul
- Centre antipoison et de Toxicovigilance de Lille, CHU de Lille, Lille Cedex, France
| | - Hervé Laborde-Casterot
- Centre antipoison et de Toxicovigilance de Paris, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris - Hôpital Fernand Widal, Paris, France
| | - Patrick Nisse
- Centre antipoison et de Toxicovigilance de Lille, CHU de Lille, Lille Cedex, France
| | | | - Jerome Langrand
- Faculté de Pharmacie de Paris, INSERM UMRS 1144, Paris, France.,Centre antipoison et de Toxicovigilance de Paris, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris - Hôpital Fernand Widal, Paris, France
| | - Dominique Vodovar
- UFR de médecine, Université de Paris, Paris, France.,Faculté de Pharmacie de Paris, INSERM UMRS 1144, Paris, France.,Centre antipoison et de Toxicovigilance de Paris, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris - Hôpital Fernand Widal, Paris, France
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22
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Bargel S, Becam J, Chanu L, Lanot T, Martin M, Vaucel J, Willeman T, Fabresse N. Les gabapentinoïdes : une revue de la littérature. TOXICOLOGIE ANALYTIQUE ET CLINIQUE 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxac.2020.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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23
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Tambon M, Ponté C, Jouanjus E, Fouilhé N, Micallef J, Lapeyre-Mestre M. Gabapentinoid Abuse in France: Evidence on Health Consequences and New Points of Vigilance. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:639780. [PMID: 33613345 PMCID: PMC7886797 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.639780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Gabapentinoid drugs (gabapentin and pregabalin) are widely used worldwide for epileptic and pain disorders. First signals of gabapentinoid abuse occurred in the last decade. This study aims to describe clinical characteristics of gabapentinoid use related disorders and health consequences in France. Materials and Methods: We designed a multisource investigation reviewing data reported to the French Addictovigilance Network (FAN) with pregabalin and gabapentin from 2010 to 2019. Information was obtained through the analysis of Spontaneous Reports (SRs) notified by health professionals and the pharmacoepidemiological surveys OSIAP (suspicious prescriptions forms indicators of potential abuse), OPPIDUM (observation of illicit drugs and misuse of psychotropic medications), DRAMES (death related to prescription drugs and other substances), and DTA (toxic deaths due to analgesics). Results: Over 2010-2019 period, were collected: (i) 265 SRs (258 pregabalin; 7 gabapentin); (ii) 816 forged prescription forms (805 pregabalin, 10 gabapentin, 1 involving both drugs); (iii) 145 cases of gabapentinoid use in people who use drugs (121 pregabalin; 24 gabapentin) and (iv) 31 cases of gabapentinoid-related deaths (25 pregabalin; 6 gabapentin). Risk factors of gabapentinoid abuse were opioid use disorders or psychiatric history, but cases of primary abuse in subjects without any substance abuse history were observed. Adverse outcomes concern almost exclusively pregabalin, with coma, dyspnea, convulsion, and conduction disorders. Treatment demands increased from 10.6% in 2018 to 23.1% in 2019, with pregabalin cited as the first substance leading to addictological care in the 2019 OPPIDUM survey. Gabapentinoid-related deaths increased over time. Pregabalin has become the first drug mentioned in forged prescriptions in 2019 (23.8% of OSIAP), while it ranked at the 15th position in 2017 (2.6%). Discussion: This study shows the importance of addictovigilance monitoring for gabapentinoids. Addictovigilance data helped to make visible the gabapentinoid-abuse related health harms (hospitalization for serious neurologic, psychiatric or cardiac effects, requests for addictological support and deaths) and to confirm the intrinsic abuse potential of pregabalin. These data highlight new points of vigilance considering observed primary abuse. At this point in France, the risk of abuse and related complications is very apparent with pregabalin. Still, it is identical to that observed elsewhere with gabapentin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marine Tambon
- Centre d'Evaluation et Information sur la Pharmacodépendance-Addictovigilance, Service de Pharmacologie Médicale et Clinique, CHU de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Camille Ponté
- Centre d'Evaluation et Information sur la Pharmacodépendance-Addictovigilance, Service de Pharmacologie Médicale et Clinique, CHU de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Emilie Jouanjus
- Centre d'Evaluation et Information sur la Pharmacodépendance-Addictovigilance, Service de Pharmacologie Médicale et Clinique, CHU de Toulouse, Toulouse, France.,Unité Mixte de Recherche, 1027 Inserm-Université, Pharmacoépidémiologie, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Nathalie Fouilhé
- Centre d'Evaluation et Information sur la Pharmacodépendance-Addictovigilance, Service de Pharmacologie-Pharmacosurveillance, CHU Grenoble-Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Joelle Micallef
- Aix Marseille Univ, AP-HM, INSERM, Inst Neurosci Syst, Service de Pharmacologie Clinique et Pharmacovigilance, Marseille, France.,CEIP-Addictovigilance PACA Corse, Marseille, France
| | - Maryse Lapeyre-Mestre
- Centre d'Evaluation et Information sur la Pharmacodépendance-Addictovigilance, Service de Pharmacologie Médicale et Clinique, CHU de Toulouse, Toulouse, France.,Unité Mixte de Recherche, 1027 Inserm-Université, Pharmacoépidémiologie, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France.,Centre d'Investigation Clinique 1436, CHU de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
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Welson NN, Rofaeil RR, Ahmed SM, Gaber SS, Batiha GES, Shahataa MG. Vitamin E protects against gabapentin-induced chronic hepatic and renal damage associated with the inhibition of apoptosis and tissue injury in rats. Life Sci 2020; 267:118940. [PMID: 33359747 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
AIMS This study aimed to investigate the potential protective effects of vitamin E against gabapentin-induced chronic liver and kidney injury associated with the inhibition of biomarkers of apoptosis and tissue injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS Four groups of adult male rats were included; control, gabapentin (100 mg/kg/day), Vitamin E (80 mg/kg/day), and a combination of gabapentin and Vitamin E for 90 days. Serum levels of AST, ALT, LDH, ALP, urea, and creatinine were measured in addition to malondialdehyde (MDA), and reduced glutathione (GSH) tissue levels. P53 gene expression, histological, and immunohistochemical examinations were performed in liver and kidney tissue samples. KEY FINDINGS Gabapentin increased AST, ALT, LDH, ALP, urea, creatinine, MDA, and p53 gene expression and it reduced GSH. Moreover, gabapentin administration caused structural changes in the hepatic and renal architecture with a weak Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) reaction that reflects glycogen deposition in the liver and kidney and a positive immunoreaction for BCL2-associated X protein (BAX) that reflects activated apoptosis. Vitamin E significantly (p<0.05) reversed the biochemical alterations associated with chronic gabapentin administration and improved the histopathological picture of hepatic and renal tissue with a partial inhibition of BAX. SIGNIFICANCE Chronic administration of gabapentin causes hepatic and renal impairments, which is ameliorated by Vitamin E; possibly due to the inhibition of biomarkers of apoptosis and tissue injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nermeen N Welson
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt.
| | - Remon R Rofaeil
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt; Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Deraya University, New Minia City, Egypt
| | - Sabreen Mahmoud Ahmed
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, delegated to Deraya University, New Minia City, Egypt
| | - Shereen S Gaber
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, delegated to Deraya University, New Minia City, Egypt
| | - Gaber El-Saber Batiha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour, Egypt
| | - Mary Girgis Shahataa
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
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Sam-Laï NF, Eysseric H, Revol B, Gaulier JM, Dumestre-Toulet V, Mallaret M. Les gabapentinoïdes dans DRAMES (décès en relation avec l’abus de médicaments et substances) et DTA (décès toxiques par antalgiques). Combien de cas ? TOXICOLOGIE ANALYTIQUE ET CLINIQUE 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxac.2020.09.075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Abstract
BACKGROUND A 2017 systematic review (SR) identified 59 studies examining gabapentinoid (pregabalin and gabapentin) misuse/abuse. Evidence of gabapentinoid misuse/abuse has since grown substantially. OBJECTIVE Update previous SR and describe new insights regarding gabapentinoid abuse. METHODS A SR of PubMed was conducted to identify studies published from 7/29/2016-8/31/2020. Four searches were performed using the following terms: "gabapentin [MeSH] OR pregabalin [MeSH] OR gabapentinoid" AND one of the following substance misuse/abuse-related terms: "substance-related disorders [MeSH]", "overdose", "abuse", or "misuse". Clinicaltrials.gov and the Cochrane Library database were searched to identify ongoing studies or similar SRs. Reference lists of included studies were reviewed to identify additional literature. All studies with novel data related to pregabalin and/or gabapentin abuse, misuse, or overdose conducted during the study period were included. Articles not written in English, review articles, and animal studies were excluded. RESULTS Fifty-five studies were included (29 [52.7%] from North America, 17 [30.9%] Europe, 6 [10.9%] Asia, and 3 [5.5%] Australia). Forty-six observational studies and 10 case reports/series were included (one manuscript included both). Twenty (36.4%) studied gabapentin only, 18 (32.7%) pregabalin only, and 17 (30.9%) both pregabalin/gabapentin. These studies corroborate findings from the previous SR that gabapentinoids are increasingly abused or misused to self-medicate, that gabapentinoids can produce desirable effects alone but are often used concomitantly with other drugs, and that opioid use disorder is the greatest risk factor for gabapentinoid abuse. While the original SR identified the largest studies having been published in Europe, this review identified several more generalisable US studies that have subsequently been conducted. The most concerning finding was increased evidence of associated patient harm, including increased hospital utilisation and opioid-related overdose mortality risk. CONCLUSION Evidence suggests that gabapentinoid misuse/abuse represents a growing trend that is causing significant patient harm. Prescribers should exercise appropriate caution with use in high-risk populations and monitor for signs of misuse or abuse.
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Winckel K, Daglish M, Pache D, Hollingworth SA. Time to rethink our approach to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) listing of medicines: the case of pregabalin. AUST HEALTH REV 2020; 45:261-262. [PMID: 32878686 DOI: 10.1071/ah20060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Karl Winckel
- Princess Alexandra Hospital, Ipswich Road, Woolloongabba, Qld 4102, Australia; and School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Qld 4102, Australia. ;
| | - Mark Daglish
- Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Herston, Qld 4029, Australia. ; and Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Herston, Qld 4006, Australia
| | - David Pache
- School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Qld 4102, Australia. ; ; and Mater Hospital, Raymond Terrace, South Brisbane, Qld 4101, Australia
| | - Samantha A Hollingworth
- School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Qld 4102, Australia. ; ; and Corresponding author.
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28
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Roche S, Blaise M. [Pregabalin and risk of addiction: A new care issue?]. Encephale 2020; 46:372-381. [PMID: 32471706 DOI: 10.1016/j.encep.2020.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Revised: 02/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Pregabalin (PRG) is a gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) analogue used for treatment of epilepsy, neuropathic pain, generalised anxiety disorder and currently being studied for other indications. Supported by the results of case studies and a limited number of studies, there is an ongoing debate about the addictive potential of PRG. However, evidence is scarce and no definitive assessment on the potential for abuse and dependence to PRG is available. The objective of our study was to identify the number of cases of abuse or dependence to PRG published and to study potential risk factors of addiction to PRG. METHODS We have identified on PubMed and ScienceDirect published case studies of PRG abuse or dependence and analysed these cases on the basis of several clinical parameters. RESULTS A total of 118 cases of PRG abuse or dependence were identified, including 21 isolated cases (mean age 33 years, 67 % men). The mean daily dose of PRG was 2,9 g. Current or past polydrug abuse was present in the majority of cases. Psychiatric diagnoses, other than substance-related disorders, were reported in as many patients, and almost all patients experienced withdrawal symptoms when PRG was discontinued. CONCLUSION Current literature suggests an important and growing concern for the abuse of PRG. Male sex, psychiatric and/or addiction history, including opioid addiction, may be potential risk factors for the development of addictive behaviours associated with PRG.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Roche
- Centre médical Marmottan, 17-19, rue d'Armaillé, 75017 Paris, France.
| | - M Blaise
- Centre médical Marmottan, 17-19, rue d'Armaillé, 75017 Paris, France
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29
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Postmortem analysis of quetiapine and pregabalin in human bone. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2020; 46:101717. [PMID: 32442861 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2020.101717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
In this study quetiapine and pregabalin were analyzed in human bones. A method previously developed for the determination of antidepressants in human bone was tested for the analysis of these two substances. Bones were pulverized and subjected to the extraction protocol, and after undergoing solid-phase extraction, samples were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The assay was validated in the range 0.3-500 ng/mg, mean analytical recovery was 76.9% for quetiapine and 90.9% for pregabalin, matrix effect was 83% for quetiapine and 91% for pregabalin and process efficiency was 63.8% for quetiapine and 82.7% for pregabalin. The intra- and inter-day precision was below 3% in all cases and the intra- and inter-assay accuracy values were in almost all cases better than 12%. The validated method was then applied to bone samples from forensic cases. Drugs were detected in bone in 2 of the 3 blood positive cases. The approximate concentrations in bone were 40 ng/mg for pregabalin and 7 ng/mg for quetiapine. To our knowledge, this is the first time these substances were detected in bones. With this study the number of substances with a validated protocol to be used in human bones in case of necessity is expanded.
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30
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Moisset X, Bouhassira D, Avez Couturier J, Alchaar H, Conradi S, Delmotte MH, Lanteri-Minet M, Lefaucheur JP, Mick G, Piano V, Pickering G, Piquet E, Regis C, Salvat E, Attal N. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments for neuropathic pain: Systematic review and French recommendations. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2020; 176:325-352. [PMID: 32276788 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2020.01.361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Neuropathic pain remains a significant unmet medical need. Several recommendations have recently been proposed concerning pharmacotherapy, neurostimulation techniques and interventional management, but no comprehensive guideline encompassing all these treatments has yet been issued. We performed a systematic review of pharmacotherapy, neurostimulation, surgery, psychotherapies and other types of therapy for peripheral or central neuropathic pain, based on studies published in peer-reviewed journals before January 2018. The main inclusion criteria were chronic neuropathic pain for at least three months, a randomized controlled methodology, at least three weeks of follow-up, at least 10 patients per group, and a double-blind design for drug therapy. Based on the GRADE system, we provide weak-to-strong recommendations for use and proposal as a first-line treatment for SNRIs (duloxetine and venlafaxine), gabapentin and tricyclic antidepressants and, for topical lidocaine and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation specifically for peripheral neuropathic pain; a weak recommendation for use and proposal as a second-line treatment for pregabalin, tramadol, combination therapy (antidepressant combined with gabapentinoids), and for high-concentration capsaicin patches and botulinum toxin A specifically for peripheral neuropathic pain; a weak recommendation for use and proposal as a third-line treatment for high-frequency rTMS of the motor cortex, spinal cord stimulation (failed back surgery syndrome and painful diabetic polyneuropathy) and strong opioids (in the absence of an alternative). Psychotherapy (cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness) is recommended as a second-line therapy, as an add-on to other therapies. An algorithm encompassing all the recommended treatments is proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Moisset
- Université Clermont Auvergne, Inserm, Neuro-Dol, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France; CHU de Clermont-Ferrand, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France.
| | - D Bouhassira
- INSERM U987, CETD, Ambroise-Paré Hospital, AP-HP, Boulogne-Billancourt, France; Université Versailles - Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Versailles, France
| | - J Avez Couturier
- Service de Neuropédiatrie, Consultation Douleur Enfant, CIC-IT 1403, CHU de Lille, Lille, France
| | - H Alchaar
- 73, boulevard de Cimiez, Nice, France
| | - S Conradi
- CETD, CHRU de Nancy, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - M H Delmotte
- GHU, Paris site Ste-Anne, Structure Douleurs, 1, rue Cabanis, Paris 14, France
| | - M Lanteri-Minet
- Université Clermont Auvergne, Inserm, Neuro-Dol, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France; Département d'Évaluation et Traitement de la Douleur, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Nice, Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire InovPain, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
| | - J P Lefaucheur
- EA 4391, Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris Est Créteil, Créteil, France; Service de Physiologie, Explorations Fonctionnelles, Hôpital Henri-Mondor, Assistance publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Créteil, France
| | - G Mick
- Centre d'Évaluation et Traitement de la Douleur du Voironnais, Centre Hospitalier de Voiron, Laboratoire P2S, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - V Piano
- Centre Hospitalier de Draguignan, Service Algologie 4(e), route de Montferrat, 83007 Draguignan cedex, France
| | - G Pickering
- Université Clermont Auvergne, Inserm, Neuro-Dol, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France; Clinical Pharmacology Department, CPC/CIC Inserm 1405, University Hospital CHU, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - E Piquet
- Département d'Évaluation et Traitement de la Douleur, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Nice, Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire InovPain, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
| | - C Regis
- CETD, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - E Salvat
- Centre d'Évaluation et de Traitement de la Douleur, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Université de Strasbourg, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Strasbourg, France
| | - N Attal
- INSERM U987, CETD, Ambroise-Paré Hospital, AP-HP, Boulogne-Billancourt, France; Université Versailles - Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Versailles, France
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Kelleher DC, Kirksey MA, Wu CL, Cheng SI. Integrating complementary medicine in the perioperative period: a simple, opioid-sparing addition to your multimodal analgesia strategy? Reg Anesth Pain Med 2020; 45:468-473. [PMID: 32193284 DOI: 10.1136/rapm-2019-100947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 02/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The current US opioid health-related crisis underscores the importance for perioperative physicians to optimize various approaches to pain management. Multimodal techniques and enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols are frequently cited as the most effective strategies for improving the experience of pain and reducing opioid exposure. Complementary medicine (CM) techniques, while frequently shown to be effective at reducing opioid and other pharmacologic agent use, are rarely discussed as part of these multimodal strategies. In general, CM therapies are low-cost with minimal associated risk, making them an ideal choice for incorporation into ERAS and other opioid-sparing protocols. In this Daring Discourse, we discuss the benefits and challenges of incorporating CM therapy into anesthetic practice. We hope that anesthesiologists can become more familiar with the current evidence regarding perioperative CM therapy, and begin incorporating these therapies as part of their comprehensive multimodal approach to perioperative pain management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deirdre C Kelleher
- Department of Anesthesiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Meghan A Kirksey
- Department of Anesthesiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA.,Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Management, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA
| | - Christopher L Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA.,Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Management, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA
| | - Stephanie I Cheng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA.,Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Management, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York, USA
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32
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Garakani A, Murrough JW, Freire RC, Thom RP, Larkin K, Buono FD, Iosifescu DV. Pharmacotherapy of Anxiety Disorders: Current and Emerging Treatment Options. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:595584. [PMID: 33424664 PMCID: PMC7786299 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.595584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Anxiety disorders are the most prevalent psychiatric disorders and a leading cause of disability. While there continues to be expansive research in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and schizophrenia, there is a relative dearth of novel medications under investigation for anxiety disorders. This review's first aim is to summarize current pharmacological treatments (both approved and off-label) for panic disorder (PD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), and specific phobias (SP), including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), azapirones (e.g., buspirone), mixed antidepressants (e.g., mirtazapine), antipsychotics, antihistamines (e.g., hydroxyzine), alpha- and beta-adrenergic medications (e.g., propranolol, clonidine), and GABAergic medications (benzodiazepines, pregabalin, and gabapentin). Posttraumatic stress disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder are excluded from this review. Second, we will review novel pharmacotherapeutic agents under investigation for the treatment of anxiety disorders in adults. The pathways and neurotransmitters reviewed include serotonergic agents, glutamate modulators, GABAergic medications, neuropeptides, neurosteroids, alpha- and beta-adrenergic agents, cannabinoids, and natural remedies. The outcome of the review reveals a lack of randomized double-blind placebo- controlled trials for anxiety disorders and few studies comparing novel treatments to existing anxiolytic agents. Although there are some recent randomized controlled trials for novel agents including neuropeptides, glutamatergic agents (such as ketamine and d-cycloserine), and cannabinoids (including cannabidiol) primarily in GAD or SAD, these trials have largely been negative, with only some promise for kava and PH94B (an inhaled neurosteroid). Overall, the progression of current and future psychopharmacology research in anxiety disorders suggests that there needs to be further expansion in research of these novel pathways and larger-scale studies of promising agents with positive results from smaller trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Garakani
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States.,Silver Hill Hospital, New Canaan, CT, United States.,Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - James W Murrough
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States.,Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Rafael C Freire
- Department of Psychiatry and Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Robyn P Thom
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Kaitlyn Larkin
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Frank D Buono
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Dan V Iosifescu
- Clinical Research Division, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, United States.,Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
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Gale-Grant O, Bailey J, Burke O, Kelleher MJ. Use of Prescribed Psychotropic Medications in an Opioid Substitution Therapy Cohort. J Dual Diagn 2019; 15:254-259. [PMID: 31519141 DOI: 10.1080/15504263.2019.1662150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Objective: Comorbid mental illness is extremely common in individuals receiving opioid substitution therapy. The use of common psychiatric medications is complex in this cohort with increased risks of drug-drug interaction, overdose, and diversion or abuse of prescribed medication. We have therefore investigated rates of co-prescribing and psychiatric comorbidity in a cohort of individuals receiving therapeutic methadone or buprenorphine. Methods: Comprehensive electronic medical records were accessed for a cohort of individuals (n = 698) receiving opioid substitution therapy at a single center in London, United Kingdom. The following was collected for each individual: demographic data, current prescribed medications (including opioid substitution therapy agents), duration of prescription, indication for each prescription, and psychiatric diagnoses. Results: A total of 610 individuals were included in the final analysis. High rates of psychotropic co-prescribing were observed, with 36.7% of individuals receiving a psychotropic medication in addition to their opioid substitution drug, including 35.4% receiving an antidepressant, 9.2% an antipsychotic, 8.6% a benzodiazepine, and 4.5% a gabapentinoid, rates that are far in excess of the local population prescription frequency; 75.5% of antipsychotic prescriptions and 47.7% of benzodiazepine prescriptions were for an unlicensed indication. Conclusions: This highlights the need for evidence-based treatment of comorbid mental illness for individuals receiving opioid substitution therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Gale-Grant
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, UK
| | - James Bailey
- Addictions Psychiatry Clinical Academic Group, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Olivia Burke
- Addictions Psychiatry Clinical Academic Group, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Michael J Kelleher
- Addictions Psychiatry Clinical Academic Group, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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