The investigators found no difference between gabapentin and placebo among all the various axes of subjective effect 58. Given that gabapentinoids are meanwhile widely distributed and easily obtainable via the internet or black markets, one would expect many more of these cases if gabapentinoids possessed meaningful addictive power. The limited reward-based (as opposed to co-administered substance withdrawal prophylaxis as described in following text) attractiveness of gabapentinoids among certain populations seems to rest upon their short-term euphoric and sedating effects (“liking”) rather than upon any sustained psychological dependence effects (“wanting”) 57, 58.
Pain in the legs and hips and other pain types were reported by 25.80% and 34.90% of patients, respectively. Diabetic neuropathy was the most common complaint (440 patients for the first visit) for which the patients sought consultation with the neurologists. The patients already receiving medicines for treating their neuropathic pain expressed the signs and symptoms of the pain, categorized as burning, tingling, sharp, pins and needles type, and others (Figure 2).
A snapshot on the usage pattern of gabapentinoids in Oman
Accordingly, health professionals should exercise caution when prescribing pregabalin to high-risk individuals and gabapentinoid benefit and risk stratification: mechanisms over myth pmc monitor them for signs of misuse or abuse (14). There has been a significant increase in pregabalin sales in Switzerland, with pharmacy sales of pregabalin increasing between 2015 and 2022. Over this time frame, pharmacy sales escalated by over a third (36.9%), with 524,498 packs sold in 2022 as opposed to 383,256 packs sold in 2015 (15). This is the first study to describe the gabapentinoids’ usage pattern in Oman and possibly the region.
It is necessary that all physicians who prescribe pregabalin are clearly informed about the management (including the risks) of this drug. Around 673 patients (28.3%) reported more pain during the daytime, whereas 727 patients (30.5%) experienced pain at night, and 215 patients (9.0%) reported pain in the evening; 52.10% of patients reported worsening pain while carrying out daily activities. Clinicians prescribed gabapentinoids alone or in combination with SSNRI or TCA to treat various types of neuropathic pain (Table 1). The utilization and potential improper consumption of pregabalin are reported to be raising concerns, particularly in the western region of Punjab, India 7. Furthermore, another study suggests that while the inherent addictive tendencies of these medications aren’t supported by current evidence, caution must still be exercised due to the potential for abuse among individuals with opioid use disorders 8. According to a systematic review by Bonnet and Scherbaum, the risk of developing dependence on gabapentinoids remains very low among patients without a history of substance use disorders 5.
