Gapapentin-related drug dependence and withdrawal symptoms.

Concomitant use of gabapentin and opioid analgesics during pregnancy may increase the risk of neonatal withdrawal syndrome. Healthcare professionals should carefully evaluate each patient's risk of misuse, abuse and dependence before prescribing gabapentin, and patients treated with gabapentin should be monitored for signs and symptoms. The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) in Ireland has announced that product information for gabapentin will be updated to advise that drug dependence can occur at therapeutic doses and withdrawal symptoms may occur following discontinuation, according to a report in WHO Pharmaceuticals Newsletter. [Extracted from the article]