Investigating the non-medical use of gabapentin alongside opioids.
Official title: An Examination of Concomitant Non-Medical Use of Gabapentin and Opioids.
Funded at University of Arkansas at Fayetteville · NIH-10707282 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how people with opioid use disorder are using gabapentin along with opioids, to see how this combination affects their withdrawal symptoms and anxiety, with the goal of making treatment safer and more effective.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arkansas at Fayetteville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fayetteville, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $137,885 |
| NIH project number | 5R21DA056835-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10707282 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are prescribed gabapentin and opioids, particularly those with a history of opioid use disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use gabapentin or opioids, or those not affected by opioid use disorder, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research examines how gabapentin, a medication often prescribed for epilepsy and pain management, is used non-medically in conjunction with opioids. It aims to understand the patterns of this combined use, particularly among individuals undergoing treatment for opioid use disorder. By analyzing prescription data and patient reports, the study seeks to identify the risks and benefits associated with this practice, especially regarding withdrawal symptoms and anxiety management. The findings could help inform safer prescribing practices and treatment protocols.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for patients dealing with pain and opioid use disorder.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been limited reports on the non-medical use of gabapentin, systematic studies on its concomitant use with opioids are scarce, making this research a novel exploration.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Arkansas at Fayetteville
Fayetteville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Buttram, Mance E. — University of Arkansas at Fayetteville
- Study coordinator: Buttram, Mance E.
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.