Associations between Gabapentinoids and suicidal behavior, unintentional overdoses, injuries, road incidents and violent crime

September 17, 2019   |   Evidence in Integrative Healthcare

A British Medical Journal 2019 study looking at the associations between gabapentinoids and adverse outcomes related to coordination disturbances shows reason to closely monitor this population of patients. Integrative providers see large numbers of chronic pain patients on gabapentinoids as a substitute for opioids. Other than the side effects of vertigo and nausea, providers should be on alert for more sinister side effects: violent crime, suicide ideation, suicide attempt, coordination disturbances relating to head and body injuries and road traffic incidents or offences.