Deaths Involving Gabapentin and Pregabalin in Scotland

This research article presents a descriptive account of deaths associated with gabapentin and pregabalin in Scotland from 2000 to 2024. It utilizes data from the National Records of Scotland to analyze the socio-demographics, drugs involved, and the causes and manners of death. The study indicates that there were 3,813 deaths where gabapentin or pregabalin was mentioned, noting an increase in deaths from 2008 to 2019, with a slight recovery in 2023 following declines in 2020 and 2021. The majority of the deceased were male, with a mean age of 43 years. The findings highlight that polypharmacy was prevalent, with nearly all cases involving at least one other drug, typically opioids or benzodiazepines. Accidental poisoning was identified as the leading cause of death in 90.7% of cases, while 4.7% were attributed to suicide. The article underscores the risks associated with the co-consumption of gabapentinoids and other central nervous system depressants, emphasizing the need for cautious prescribing practices.