Gabapentin utilization among older adults with different cognitive status: Results from the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center database (2006‐2019)

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundAlthough gabapentin use has been increasing among older adults, its safety is understudied. We aimed to examine gabapentin utilization trends among older adults with different cognitive status and investigate potentially inappropriate concurrent medication use with gabapentin.MethodsData were extracted from National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center Uniform Data Set (2006‐2019). We included participants (age 65+) with any medications reported at the time of visit. Within each study year, we estimated the prevalence of gabapentin use among the participants at each visit, both overall and within subgroups defined by cognitive status [normal, mild cognitive impairment, and dementia] and demographics [age and sex]. Additionally, we assessed prevalence of concurrent use of gabapentin with Central Nervous System (CNS) depressants, including opioid, combined opioid and benzodiazepine, antidepressant, and antipsychotic.ResultsOverall, participant‐reported gabapentin use nearly tripled (2.2 to 6.1%) from 2006 to 2019. Further, prevalence increased over this period in every participant subgroup. Among gabapentin users, the concurrent use of antidepressants or antipsychotics was more common in participants with a dementia diagnosis than those with normal cognition. Over half of gabapentin users with dementia also reported use of antidepressants. The concurrent use of gabapentin with opioids ranged from 10 to 30%, and the concurrent use of gabapentin, benzodiazepine, and opioids was below 8% throughout the study period.ConclusionsGiven increasing use among older adults, including those with cognitive impairment and dementia, rigorous studies are needed to examine the safety of gabapentin in this population, especially when using gabapentin with other CNS medications concurrently.