Gabapentinoids in Ireland 2010 to 2020: An observational study of trends in gabapentinoid prescribing, law enforcement drug seizures and postmortem toxicology

Abstract

Aims: We explored trends in gabapentinoid prescribing, drug seizures and postmortem toxicology using a national pharmacy claims database, law enforcement drug seizures data and a population-based postmortem toxicology database. Methods: Gabapentinoid prescribing rates per 100 000 eligible population (2010–2020), annual number of drug seizures involving gabapentinoids (2012–2020) and gabapentinoid detection (positive) rates per 100 postmortem toxicology case (2013–2020) were calculated. Negative binomial regression models were used to evaluate longitudinal trends for gabapentin and pregabalin separately. Results: Gabapentin (adjusted rate ratio [RR] 1.06, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05–1.06, P