Study Finds Gabapentinoids Not Directly Increasing Self-Harm Risk

Recent research published by The BMJ offers reassurance regarding the safety of gabapentinoids, including commonly prescribed drugs like gabapentin and pregabalin. These medications, often used to treat nerve pain, epilepsy, and anxiety, have previously been scrutinized for potential side effects, particularly the risk of self-harm.

The study analyzed electronic health records of over 10,000 UK adults who were prescribed gabapentinoids between 2000 and 2020 and had a history of self-harm. Researchers examined four critical periods: 90 days before starting treatment, during the treatment, the two weeks following discontinuation, and other times during follow-up.

Findings revealed that the rate of self-harm was notably higher in the 90 days prior to prescription, indicating that individuals prescribed these drugs may already be at increased risk. During treatment, the self-harm rate decreased but spiked again shortly after stopping the medication, before returning to baseline levels.

This pattern suggests that gabapentinoids themselves are unlikely to directly contribute to self-harm risk. Instead, the elevated risk seen before treatment initiation highlights the importance of close patient monitoring throughout the medication journey.

While the study's observational nature and reliance on hospital admission data for self-harm cases constitute some limitations, the large sample size and rigorous analysis strengthen these conclusions. The findings support the need for ongoing supervision of patients prescribed gabapentinoids, especially in the weeks following cessation.

Overall, this research provides valuable insight into the safety profile of gabapentinoids, emphasizing that with proper monitoring, these medications can be used with minimized concerns about self-harm. Further studies across different populations are encouraged to reinforce these findings.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-04-gabapentinoids-linked.html