Pregabalin and Gabapentin are anticonvulsants, that are increasingly prescribed as an adjunct for chronic pain. Recent research published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, found that patients prescribed both opioids and either pregabalin or gabapentin concurrently had an increased risk of opioid-related deaths.
Here’s what can happen: When used together, both drugs can suppress the central nervous system, affecting breathing, which can be life threatening. Opioid use can also increase the amount of gabapentin absorbed by the body, which can further increase risks when used together.
“Physicians should carefully consider whether to prescribe this combination of products and if deemed necessary, patients should be closely monitored and adjust opioid doses accordingly.”
Another important point: Current warning labels on gabapentin contain information about the serious adverse effects when combined with opioids; shockingly, labels on pregabalin do not.
A significant part of my work is focused on opioid reduction and improving quality of life. Studies such as this highlight the growing and urgent need for practitioners to familiarize themselves with safer, alternate, methods of treatment for chronic pain, like cannabinoid medicine.
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