Episode 46 - “Safe Drugs” #1: GabapentinEpisode 46 - “Safe Drugs” #1: Gabapentin
The Addiction Connection
Drs. Devine and Bell uncover the hidden risks of Gabapentin, discussing its misuse, side effects, and importance of safe monitoring.
26:00•2 Feb 2021
Gabapentin Unmasked: The Real Story Behind Its Safety
“This may be a medication that we also want to do that once or twice a year urine drug screen and really understand that this is misused frequently, frequently.”
Think Gabapentin is a harmless pill? Think again. In this episode of 'The Addiction Connection', Drs. Kurt Devine and Heather Bell kick off a new series that tackles drugs often perceived as safe but carry hidden risks. They start with Gabapentin, a medication commonly prescribed for pain and mental health issues. But is it really as safe as people think?
The doctors dig into its history, uncover how it's often misused, and share some surprising facts that might make you rethink its safety. They discuss the potential side effects, like an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and the possibility of resistant bugs. Despite these dangers, Gabapentin can still be useful for those in the abstinence maintenance phase of alcohol use. The episode also touches on its role in pain management and mental health, though research is limited in these areas.
Drs. Devine and Bell stress the importance of monitoring its use through urine drug screens to prevent misuse. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in addiction medicine or wanting to understand the complexities of medications like Gabapentin.
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