A new study from researchers at University College London has raised concerns about the safety of a widely prescribed class of pain medications known as gabapentinoids.
The drugs, which include gabapentin and pregabalin, are commonly used to treat nerve pain, epilepsy, anxiety, and other conditions, and are often seen as safer alternatives to opioids.
However, the research found that people taking these medications may face a significantly higher risk of drug poisoning when they are combined with other commonly prescribed drugs.
According to the study, the risk of hospitalisation for drug poisoning was about twice as high when gabapentinoids were taken alongside benzodiazepines, a class of sedatives used for anxiety and sleep disorders.
When combined with opioids, the risk of drug poisoning was also found to increase by around 30 percent, compared to those not taking these combinations.
Researchers noted that these combinations are relatively common in patients with chronic pain or complex health conditions, where multiple medications are often prescribed at the same time.
The study also suggested that some patients may already be in a vulnerable state before starting gabapentinoids, which can complicate how risk is interpreted.
Experts involved in the research stressed that the findings do not mean gabapentinoids are unsafe on their own, but highlight the importance of careful prescribing and monitoring when they are used alongside other drugs.
The authors are calling for greater awareness among clinicians to reduce avoidable cases of drug poisoning, particularly in patients receiving multiple central nervous system medications.
