Non-opioid medications such as gabapentin are frequently prescribed for the management of pain. 

A retrospective study of the National Poison Data System (data collected by the U.S. Poison Centers) from 2013 – 2017 showed increasing trend of gabapentin exposure.

Gabapentin exposure increased between 2013 and 2017 by:

• Total exposure: 72.3% 
• Isolated intentional suicide attempt: 80.5%
• Isolated exposure: 67.1%
• Isolated intentional abuse/misuse: 119.9%

5 most commonly co-ingested substances with gabapentin

• Sedative-hypnotic: 22.9%
• Antidepressant: 12.7%
• Antihypertensive: 9.9%
• Opioid: 9.0%
• Antipsychotics: 6.3%

16.7% of the isolated gabapentin exposure required hospitalization.

 

Conclusion:

• Gabapentin abuse/misuse and ingestion with self-harm intent is increasing in the U.S.