Pregabalin Misuse: Motives, Pattern, and Knowledge about Its Risks among Patients in Methadone Maintenance Treatment
Einat Peles, Anat Sason, Shaul Schreiber, Miriam Adelson
Abstract
We examined motives for pregabalin misuse and the relation with knowledge on its risks among patients receiving MMT. A questionnaire was used to assess patients’ knowledge before and after an explanatory session. Responses were either “never-use” or “ever-use” (past, occasional, chronic). Pregabalin in urine was tested during 1 month, 4 months before, and 24 months after the explanatory session. Of 231 participants, 72 (31.2%) responded “ever-use” while 46 (19.9%) tested positive for pregabalin (42 (58.3%) of the “ever-use” and 4 (2.5%) of the “never-use” group). The ‘occasional’ subgroup had the highest proportion of non-prescribed pregabalin (75%), used it for recreational purpose (16.7%) and non-orally (41.7%). A faster dropout (shorter retention in MMT) was observed among patients who used pregabalin not orally (1.4 years, 95%CI 1.2–1.7) vs. (1.7 years, CI 1.6–1.8, p = .02), and those who used it not for pain (p = .024). Knowledge scores were higher among those tested positive for pregabalin (3.5 ± 1.7 vs. 2.9 ± 2.0, p = .04). Pregabalin is highly misused among MMT patients. Those who use it not for its indications, or not orally had a shorter retention in MMT, most likely not as a sole cause. “Ever users” knew more about pregabalin indications and risks. Monitoring and education on pregabalin are recommended.