Gabapentinoids and Benzodiazepines, side effects not to be neglected

The crisis of opioids has marked the history of the United States over the past 30 years. Particularly devastating in the city of San Francisco, this scourge is responsible for the death of more than 700,000 people since the early 1990s. This highly publicized story has changed the way painkillers are prescribed. However, these treatments strongly risk of dependence are not the only ones to cause addictions that can lead to death. A study published on October 9 in the journal PLOS ONE reveals that the number of deaths linked to gabapentinoids and benzodiazepines represents today, in Scotland, more than 30% deaths linked to substance abuse.

In recent years, Scotland has experienced a significant number of deaths related to substances compared to other European countries, leading to an individual, societal and economic burden important. As in the United States, opioids, cocaine and alcohol are the main culprits. But one possible cause is the increase in the average number of substances involved.

A combination of risky substances

THE benzodiazepines synthetic, such as etizolam used as an antiepileptic or sedative anxiolytic, and gabapentinoidsa treatment known to treat neuropathic pain, are today among the most detected substances. These two moleculeswhich reach the central nervous system, cause sedative effects and are at high risk of addiction. According to the study, they could encourage polyconsumption of substances and contributing to the increase in deaths in Scotland.

To achieve these results, scientists sought to evaluate the contribution of these two molecules to the increase in deaths linked to substance abuse. After comparing the data from 18 studies different carried out between 2013 and 2023the analysis reveals that:

• These two molecules increase the risk of death linked to substance abuse.
• The number of deaths linked to gabapentinoids today represents nearly one in three deaths among those linked to substance abuse.
• Co-use of opioids worsens side effects, seen more in older women.

Through these results, scientists seek to sound the alarm in order to secure prescriptions as best as possible of these treatments.