How prevalent and severe is addiction on GABAmimetic drugs in an elderly German general hospital population? Focus on gabapentinoids, benzodiazepines, and z-hypnotic drugs.

Journal: Human psychopharmacology
PMID:

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Gabapentinoids (GPT) are reported to be increasingly misused by opioid- and polydrug-users, but the addictive potential of GPT outside of these populations remains understudied. Investigations comparing GPT abuse and dependence liability to that of other commonly prescribed Central Nervous System-acting medications are therefore warranted. We provide a comparison of GPT-abuse/dependence to that of other GABAmimetics within an elderly population.

Authors

  • Udo Bonnet
    Head of the Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Evangelisches Krankenhaus Castrop-Rauxel, Academic Teaching Hospital of the University of Duisburg/Essen and Professor, University of Duisburg/Essen, Essen, Germany.
  • Heath B McAnally
    Northern Anesthesia & Pain Medicine, LLC, Eagle River, Alaska, USA.