Examining how classifying gabapentin as a controlled substance affects its use and overdose rates.
Impact of state-level gabapentin schedule V controlled substance classification on utilization and fatal overdose
This study looks at how changing the rules about gabapentin, a medication that some people misuse, affects how it's prescribed and the number of overdoses in West Virginia, with the hope of finding ways to make it safer for everyone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11118231 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of classifying gabapentin, a medication often misused, as a controlled substance in West Virginia. By comparing prescription patterns and overdose rates before and after this classification, the study aims to understand whether such policies effectively reduce misuse and associated fatalities. The research employs a controlled interrupted time series design, analyzing data from both West Virginia and North Carolina to assess changes in drug utilization and overdose incidents. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to improved prescribing practices and safer medication use.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have been prescribed gabapentin or are at risk of polysubstance misuse, particularly those in states with recent changes to gabapentin's classification.
Not a fit: Patients who do not use gabapentin or are not involved in substance misuse may not receive direct benefits from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better policies that reduce the risk of gabapentin misuse and overdose, ultimately saving lives.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that policy changes regarding controlled substances can impact prescribing patterns and misuse, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
Chapel Hill, United States
- Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gora Combs, Katherine Nicole — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Gora Combs, Katherine Nicole
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.