Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/2445/221975
Title: Characteristics of Non-Therapeutic Pregabalin Users Detected by a Community Pharmacies Network in a Region of Southern Europe
Author: Perelló, Maria
Rio-Aige, Karla
Rius, Pilar
Pérez-Cano, Francisco J.
Rabanal i Tornero, Manel
Keywords: Abús dels medicaments
Drogues
Serveis farmacèutics
Medication abuse
Drugs of abuse
Pharmaceutical services
Issue Date: 1-Oct-2024
Publisher: MDPI
Abstract: Background: Since 2008, several cases of pregabalin abuse have been reported to the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA). Despite this evidence, gabapentinoids are increasingly being prescribed. Moreover, pregabalin is being used in a recreational setting for its dissociative effects and euphoria. Objectives: To assess the characteristics of non-therapeutic users of pregabalin and to show behavioral trends associated with requests for the medicine at community pharmacies. Methods: The Medicine Abuse Observatory (MAO), an epidemiological surveillance system, was able to analyze trends about the most diverted drugs and the behavioral patterns of the population from community pharmacies. We have conducted an observational and cross-sectional study from January 2022 to April 2023, to determinate trends in the behavior of patients who have requested pregabalin in the Catalan Sephanet. Results: Behavior with respect to sex was similar in all health problems, although one difference was raised when considering neuropathic pain, in which the females were more involved (72.7%), especially around 2.5 times more than the males (27.3%, p < 0.05). The study showed a potential recreational use related to patients aged <25 years and patients aged 25–35 years (p < 0.05). Neuropathic pain was mainly identified in patients >65 years. In 75% of the cases, there was a preceding prescription. Conclusions: This study underlines the evidence of non-therapeutic use of pregabalin among the Catalan population and the need to take control measures. Actions should be promoted, both at the level of prescription and dispensing, and focusing on education and knowledge about the risks that may appear with the use of pregabalin. Keywords: pregabalin; prescription drug abuse; misuse; community pharmacy; neuropathic pain
Note: Reproducció del document publicat a: https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13195942
It is part of: Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2024, vol. 13, num.19
URI: https://hdl.handle.net/2445/221975
Related resource: https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13195942
ISSN: 2077-0383
Appears in Collections:Articles publicats en revistes (Bioquímica i Fisiologia)
Articles publicats en revistes (Institut de Recerca en Nutrició i Seguretat Alimentària (INSA·UB))

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