Rising Gabapentin Prescriptions Spotlight Need for Safety Awareness

Recent research highlights a significant uptick in gabapentin dispensing across the United States, emphasizing the importance of understanding its potential adverse effects. A comprehensive analysis of pharmacy data from 2010 to 2024 reveals that gabapentin, initially prescribed at relatively modest rates, saw a steady increase over the years. By 2024, it had become the fifth most prescribed medication, up from the tenth position in 2017. This trend is partly driven by expanded prescribing rights for nurse practitioners and physician assistants, reflecting shifts in healthcare practices.

The study, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, assessed prescription trends using data from IQVIA’s National Prescription Audit and the Total Patient Tracker database. It found that prescription rates rose from 79.5 per 1,000 persons in 2010 to 177.6 per 1,000 in 2024, while the number of individuals receiving gabapentin increased from 18.9 to 46.9 per 1,000. These figures doubled between 2010 and 2016, but the rate of growth slowed afterward.

Given gabapentin’s widespread use, healthcare providers, particularly physicians and advanced practice clinicians, must remain vigilant regarding its potential adverse effects. The rise in prescriptions underscores the necessity of appropriate patient monitoring and awareness of risks associated with off-label and long-term use. As prescribing patterns evolve, ongoing education about medication safety becomes increasingly essential to mitigate possible harms.

This data points to an urgent need for continuous review of prescribing practices, ensuring patient safety remains a priority amidst changing healthcare dynamics. For more detailed insights, the full study is available in the Annals of Internal Medicine, authored by Andrea E. Strahan and colleagues. Source: MedicalXpress