Investigating the non-medical use of gabapentin alongside opioids.

An Examination of Concomitant Non-Medical Use of Gabapentin and Opioids.

NIH-funded research University of Arkansas at Fayetteville · NIH-10707282

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 typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Arkansas at Fayetteville NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Fayetteville, United States)
Project IDNIH-10707282 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are prescribed gabapentin and opioids, particularly those with a history of opioid use disorder.

Not a fit: Patients who do not use gabapentin or opioids, or those not affected by opioid use disorder, may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Fayetteville, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.