RECREATIONAL USE OF PREGABALIN IN UKRAINE: AVAILABILITY, PATTERNS OF USE, AND APPLICATION IN CHEMSEX
Abstract
Introduction: Substance use disorders lead to public health and social problems. Reports about the addictive potential of pregabalin appeared immediately after the drug's launch in 2005. Subsequently, the prevalence of pregabalin abuse in countries around the world began to increase.
Methods: The inclusion criterion for the study was recreational use of pregabalin at the time of the study or a history of such use. The sample was formed by the snowball sampling method, data collection was conducted through semi-structured interviews, and analysis was performed using the phenomenological method. The Drugs Wheel model was used to classify psychoactive substances.
Results: Substance users are not aware of the risks of recreational use of pregabalin. Pregabalin is available for recreational use in Ukraine through over-the-counter pharmacies. Patterns of recreational use of pregabalin in Ukraine are dangerous in terms of mental and physical health disorders and negative socioeconomic consequences. Pregabalin is used as a tool for chemsex, and users neglect harm reduction measures for risky sexual behavior during such contacts. The difficulty of quitting recreational pregabalin use has been documented, and adherence to the existing mental health care system is low.
Discussion: Low awareness of the risks of recreational use of pregabalin among substance users creates a need for educational activities among target groups. Given the commitment of doctors to prescribing pregabalin and the lack of warnings about the negative consequences, it is imperative to educate healthcare professionals about the risks of such prescriptions. Since pregabalin is used as a tool for chemsex, and users neglect harm reduction measures for such contacts, it is advisable to provide them with access to harm reduction measures for risky sexual behavior. Given the difficulty of quitting recreational pregabalin use and the low adherence of substance users to the existing mental health care system, it is recommended to improve this system and introduce harm reduction programs.
Downloads
References
Murnion B, Schaffer A, Cairns R, Brett J. Gabapentinoids: repeating mistakes of the past? Addiction. 2022 Dec;117(12):2969-2971. https://doi.org/10.1111/add.15970. Epub 2022 Jun 17. PMID: 35715932
Winter JD, Kerns JW, Qato DM, Winter KM, Brandt N, Wastila L, Winter C, Fu YH, Elonge E, Krist AH, Reves SR, Etz RS. A Nursing Home Clinician Survey to Explain Gabapentinoid Increases. J Am Med Dir Assoc. 2025 Jan;26(1):105363. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jamda.2024.105363. Epub 2024 Nov 17. PMID: 39566572; PMCID: PMC11671281
Cross AL, Viswanath O, Sherman AL. Pregabalin. 2024 May 2. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan–. PMID: 29261857
Ashworth J, Bajpai R, Muller S, Bailey J, Helliwell T, Harrisson SA, Whittle R, Mallen CD. Trends in gabapentinoid prescribing in UK primary care using the Clinical Practice Research Datalink: an observational study. Lancet Reg Health Eur. 2023 Feb 13;27:100579. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lanepe.2022.100579. PMID: 37069852; PMCID: PMC10105252
Gardiner H. Pfizer Pays $2.3 Billion to Settle Marketing Case. Retrieved from: https://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/03/business/03health.html
Spherical Insights. Global Pregabalin Market Size To Worth USD 2.18 Billion By 2033 | CAGR of 2.82%. Retrieved from: https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2024/03/29/2854706/0/en/Global-Pregabalin-Market-Size-To-Worth-USD-2-18-Billion-By-2033-CAGR-of-2-82.html
IndustryARC. Pregabalin Market – Forecast (2024 - 2030). Retrieved from: https://www.industryarc.com/Research/Pregabalin-Market-Research-501796
Ministry of Health of Ukraine. TOP-100 likiv, tsiny na yaki znyzheni [TOP-100 medicines with reduced prices]. Retrieved from: https://moz.gov.ua/uk/liki-cini-na-yaki-budut-znizheni
Guay DR. Pregabalin in neuropathic pain: a more "pharmaceutically elegant" gabapentin? Am J Geriatr Pharmacother. 2005 Dec;3(4):274-87. PMID: 16503325
Perelló M, Rio-Aige K, Rius P, Pérez-Cano FJ, Rabanal M. Characteristics of Non-Therapeutic Pregabalin Users Detected by a Community Pharmacies Network in a Region of Southern Europe. J Clin Med. 2024 Oct 6;13(19):5942. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13195942. PMID: 39408002; PMCID: PMC11477447
Langlumé L, Eiden C, Roy S, Taruffi F, Gambier J, Donnadieu-Rigole H, Peyrière H. Management of Pregabalin Use Disorder: A Case Series. J Psychoactive Drugs. 2022 Sep-Oct;54(4):386-391. https://doi.org/10.1080/02791072.2021.2013579. Epub 2021 Dec 20. PMID: 34930090
Schifano F. Misuse and abuse of pregabalin and gabapentin: cause for concern? CNS Drugs. 2014 Jun;28(6):491-6. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40263-014-0164-4. PMID: 24760436
Taylor CP, Angelotti T, Fauman E. Pharmacology and mechanism of action of pregabalin: the calcium channel alpha2-delta (alpha2-delta) subunit as a target for anti0epileptic drug discovery. Epilepsy Res. 2007 Feb;73(2):137-50. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2006.09.008. Epub 2006 Nov 28. PMID: 17126531
Pfizer. Pfizer's Lyrica® (Pregabalin) Capsules CV Receives Approval for Treatment of Peripheral Neuropathic Pain In Japan. Retrieved from: https://www.pfizer.com/news/press-release/press-release-detail/pfizer_s_lyrica_pregabalin_capsules_cv_receives_approval_for_treatment_of_peripheral_neuropathic_pain_in_japan
Aydın Ş, Kılıç Tatlıcı C, Çivgin ME, Yazıcı ZG, Yıldırım C, Dinçer Öner S, Kılıç FS. The investigation of antidepressant and anxiolytic effects of pregabalin and its mechanisms of action in rats. Agri. 2023 Oct;35(4):236-243. English. https://doi.org/10.14744/agri.2022.98474. PMID: 37886867
Tambon M, Ponté C, Jouanjus E, Fouilhé N, Micallef J, Lapeyre-Mestre M; French Addictovigilance Network (FAN). Gabapentinoid Abuse in France: Evidence on Health Consequences and New Points of Vigilance. Front Psychiatry. 2021 Feb 3;12:639780. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.639780. PMID: 33613345; PMCID: PMC7886797
Bonnet U, Scherbaum N. [On the risk of dependence on gabapentinoids]. Ger. Fortschr Neurol Psychiatr. 2018 Feb;86(2):82-105. German. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0043-122392. Epub 2017 Nov 27. PMID: 29179227
Servais L, Huberland V, Richelle L. Misuse of Pregabalin: a qualitative study from a patient's perspective. BMC Public Health. 2023 Jul 12;23(1):1339. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-023-16051-6. PMID: 37438829; PMCID: PMC10337149
Murphy R, McGuinness D, Hallahan B. Pregabalin-induced sexual disinhibition. Ir J Psychol Med. 2020 Mar;37(1):55-58. https://doi.org/10.1017/ipm.2017.5. Epub 2017 Mar 8. PMID: 32223791
Mousailidis G, Papanna B, Salmon A, Sein A, Al-Hillawi Q. Pregabalin induced visual hallucinations - a rare adverse reaction. BMC Pharmacol Toxicol. 2020 Feb 28;21(1):16. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40360-020-0395-6. PMID: 32111255; PMCID: PMC7048142
Haas MF, Latchman J, Guastella AM, Craig DS, Chang YD. Lucid Dreams Associated with Pregabalin: Implications for Clinical Practice. J Pain Palliat Care Pharmacother. 2022 Sep;36(3):194-199. https://doi.org/10.1080/15360288.2022.2081754. Epub 2022 Jun 27. PMID: 35759531
Blom, J. D. A Dictionary of Hallucinations. Springer International Publishing, 2023
Snellgrove BJ, Steinert T, Jaeger S. Pregabalin Use Among Users of Illicit Drugs: A Cross-Sectional Survey in Southern Germany. CNS Drugs. 2017 Oct;31(10):891-898. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40263-017-0467-3. PMID: 28965335
Herman AI, Waters AJ, McKee SA, Sofuoglu M. Effects of pregabalin on smoking behavior, withdrawal symptoms, and cognitive performance in smokers. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2012 Apr;220(3):611-7. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-011-2507-x. Epub 2011 Sep 24. PMID: 21947318; PMCID: PMC3654651
Förg A, Hein J, Volkmar K, Winter M, Richter C, Heinz A, Müller CA. Efficacy and safety of pregabalin in the treatment of alcohol withdrawal syndrome: a randomized placebo-controlled trial. Alcohol Alcohol. 2012 Mar-Apr;47(2):149-55. https://doi.org/10.1093/alcalc/agr153. Epub 2012 Jan 2. PMID: 22215002
Guglielmo R, Martinotti G, Clerici M, Janiri L. Pregabalin for alcohol dependence: a critical review of the literature. Adv Ther. 2012 Nov;29(11):947-57. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12325-012-0061-5. Epub 2012 Nov 5. PMID: 23132700
Addolorato G, Leggio L. Pregabalin similar to lorazepam for alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Evid Based Med. 2010 Jun;15(3):73. https://doi.org/10.1136/ebm1069. PMID: 20522678
Aracil-Fernández A, Almela P, Manzanares J. Pregabalin and topiramate regulate behavioural and brain gene transcription changes induced by spontaneous cannabinoid withdrawal in mice. Addict Biol. 2013 Mar;18(2):252-62. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1369-1600.2011.00406.x. Epub 2011 Oct 21. PMID: 22017514
Robertson S, Peacock EE, Scott R. Benzodiazepine Use Disorder: Common Questions and Answers. Am Fam Physician. 2023 Sep;108(3):260-266. PMID: 37725458
Caniff K, Telega E, Bostwick JR, Gardner KN. Pregabalin as adjunctive therapy in benzodiazepine discontinuation. Am J Health Syst Pharm. 2018 Jan 15;75(2):67-71. https://doi.org/10.2146/ajhp160712. PMID: 29317396
Rubio G, Bobes J, Cervera G, Terán A, Pérez M, López-Gómez V, Rejas J. Effects of pregabalin on subjective sleep disturbance symptoms during withdrawal from long-term benzodiazepine use. Eur Addict Res. 2011;17(5):262-70. https://doi.org/10.1159/000324850. Epub 2011 Jun 23. PMID: 21701173
Oulis P, Nakkas G, Masdrakis VG. Pregabalin in zolpidem dependence and withdrawal. Clin Neuropharmacol. 2011 Mar-Apr;34(2):90-1. https://doi.org/10.1097/WNF.0b013e31820a3b5a. PMID: 21407000
Gupta R, Ali R, Ray R. Willis-Ekbom disease/restless legs syndrome in patients with opioid withdrawal. Sleep Med. 2018 May;45:39-43. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sleep.2017.09.028. Epub 2017 Nov 22. PMID: 29680426
Krupitsky EM, Ilyuk RD, Mikhailov AD, Kazankov KA, Rybakova KV, Skurat EP, Grishina OG, Zaplatkin IA, Vetrova MV, Neznanov NG. [A randomized single blind study of the efficacy of pregabalin in the treatment of opioid withdrawal syndrome]. Rus. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova. 2016;116(7):29-36. Russian. https://doi.org/10.17116/jnevro20161167129-36. PMID: 27500873
Soumia T, Anna B, Matilde M, Rachid D, Bortolotti F, Rossella G. Monitoring Addiction to Pregabalin in Northern Algeria by Using Hair Testing. Electrophoresis. 2025 Mar;46(5-6):316-321. https://doi.org/10.1002/elps.202400161. Epub 2024 Dec 17. PMID: 39686725; PMCID: PMC11952280
The Ukrainian Independent Information Agency of News. Na video potrapylo, yak ditiam v aptekakh prodaiut nebezpechnyi dlia zdorovia preparat bez retsepta [A video shows children being sold a dangerous drug without a prescription in pharmacies]. Retrieved from: https://www.unian.ua/health/country/10751580-na-video-potrapilo-yak-dityam-v-aptekah-prodayut-nebezpechniy-dlya-zdorov-ya-preparat-bez-recepta.html
Unified State Register of Court Decisions of Ukraine. Rishennia Kharkivskoho okruzhnoho administratyvnoho sudu po spravi №520/8940/2020 [Decision of the Kharkiv District Administrative Court in case No. 520/8940/2020]. Retrieved from: https://reyestr.court.gov.ua/Review/91375520
Düzenli T, Ata E, Kösem M, Bayram Çarli A. Pregabaline as a Rare Cause of Hepatotoxicity. Pain Med. 2017 Jul 1;18(7):1407-1408. https://doi.org/10.1093/pm/pnw332. PMID: 28087846
Kowar M, Friedrich C, Jacobs AH. [Pregabalin as a rare cause of liver disease]. Ger. Dtsch Med Wochenschr. 2015 Nov;140(23):1759-60. German. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0041-105987. Epub 2015 Nov 19. PMID: 26583821
Doğan S, Ozberk S, Yurci A. Pregabalin-induced hepatotoxicity. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2011 Jul;23(7):628. https://doi.org/10.1097/MEG.0b013e328346df7a. PMID: 21654262
Cui L, Guo D, Zhu M, Wang T, Gao A, Xiao J. Incidence, clinical characteristics and related drugs analyzing of drug-induced movement disorders in 102914 inpatients: a retrospective real-world study. Expert Opin Drug Saf. 2025 May 5:1-9. https://doi.org/10.1080/14740338.2025.2499673. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40286279
Lee S. Pregabalin intoxication-induced encephalopathy with triphasic waves. Epilepsy Behav. 2012 Oct;25(2):170-3. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yebeh.2012.08.002. Epub 2012 Sep 29. PMID: 23032125
Knake S, Klein KM, Hattemer K, Wellek A, Oertel WH, Hamer HM, Rosenow F. Pregabalin-induced generalized myoclonic status epilepticus in patients with chronic pain. Epilepsy Behav. 2007 Nov;11(3):471-3. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yebeh.2007.06.012. Epub 2007 Sep 27. PMID: 17900992
Kanemoto H, Akiyama T, Taomoto D, Ikeda M. A case of dementia with Lewy bodies with psychosis induced by low-dose gabapentinoids. BMC Psychiatry. 2025 May 15;25(1):491. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-025-06937-7. PMID: 40375230; PMCID: PMC12083094
Ashwini S, Amit DR, Ivan NS, Alka PV. Pregabalin dependence with pregabalin induced intentional self-harm behavior: A case report. Indian J Psychiatry. 2015 Jan-Mar;57(1):110-1. https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5545.148550. PMID: 25657479; PMCID: PMC4314910
Pedroso JL, Nakama GY, Carneiro Filho M, Barsottini OG. Delirium, psychosis, and visual hallucinations induced by pregabalin. Arq Neuropsiquiatr. 2012 Dec;70(12):960-1. https://doi.org/10.1590/s0004-282x2012001200012. PMID: 23295427
Wagner C, Montecino A. [Emerging suicidal ideation in a bipolar patient after taking pregabalin: a case report]. Ger. Fortschr Neurol Psychiatr. 2025 Jan;93(1-02):53-56. German. https://doi.org/10.1055/a-2374-2182. Epub 2024 Aug 29. PMID: 39208874
Mutschler J, Grosshans M, Herwig U, Heekeren K, Kawohl W, Brühl A. Pregabalin-induced suicidal ideations. Pharmacopsychiatry. 2011 May;44(3):119. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0031-1271689. Epub 2011 Feb 11. PMID: 21318939
Kato H, Koseki T, Kondo M. Occurrence of somnolence and respiratory depression induced by pregabalin and mirogabalin use and the influence of opioid treatment using the Japanese adverse drug event report database. Pharmazie. 2024 Aug 1;79(7):169-172. https://doi.org/10.1691/ph.2024.4528. PMID: 39152553
FDA. FDA warns about serious breathing problems with seizure and nerve pain medicines gabapentin (Neurontin, Gralise, Horizant) and pregabalin (Lyrica, Lyrica CR). Retrieved from: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/fda-drug-safety-podcasts/fda-warns-about-serious-breathing-problems-seizure-and-nerve-pain-medicines-gabapentin-neurontin
Sağlam İ, Aslan R, Akgür SA, Kurtulmuş Y. Abuse of gabapentinoids in individuals with substance use disorders. J Forensic Sci. 2025 Mar 26. https://doi.org/10.1111/1556-4029.70028. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40139967
Carter EJR, Rine NI, Kistamgari S, Hays HL, Spiller HA, Yang J, Zhu M, Smith GA. Gabapentin and pregabalin exposures reported to United States poison centers, 2012-2022. Inj Epidemiol. 2024 Nov 1;11(1):59. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40621-024-00547-9. PMID: 39487483; PMCID: PMC11529557
Kriikku P, Ojanperä I. Pregabalin and gabapentin in non-opioid poisoning deaths. Forensic Sci Int. 2021 Jul;324:110830. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forsciint.2021.110830. Epub 2021 May 13. PMID: 34000615
Crossin R, Scott D, Arunogiri S, Smith K, Dietze PM, Lubman DI. Pregabalin misuse-related ambulance attendances in Victoria, 2012-2017: characteristics of patients and attendances. Med J Aust. 2019 Feb;210(2):75-79. https://doi.org/10.5694/mja2.12036. Epub 2018 Nov 22. PMID: 30712302
Taha SHN, Zaghloul HS, Ali AAER, Gaballah IF, Rashed LA, Aboulhoda BE. The neurotoxic effect of long-term use of high-dose Pregabalin and the role of alpha tocopherol in amelioration: implication of MAPK signaling with oxidative stress and apoptosis. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol. 2020 Sep;393(9):1635-1648. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00210-020-01875-5. Epub 2020 May 6. PMID: 32377769
Elsukary AE, Helaly AMNZ, El Bakary AA, Moustafa ME, El-Kattan MA. Comparative Study of the Neurotoxic Effects of Pregabalin Versus Tramadol in Rats. Neurotox Res. 2022 Oct;40(5):1427-1439. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12640-022-00557-9. Epub 2022 Aug 17. PMID: 35976555; PMCID: PMC9515019
Mestre VF, Martins CCN, Brito LV, Zeffa AC, Sestário CS, Salles MJS. Pregabalin alters reproductive performance in male mice and causes congenital anomalies in offspring. Reprod Fertil Dev. 2023 Nov;35(18):750-759. https://doi.org/10.1071/RD22287. PMID: 37995339
Salem Hareedy M, Mohamed Tawfik K, Badary DM, Ahmed Mahmoud W, Mohamed Mohamed EE. Pregabalin administration and withdrawal affect testicular structure and functions in rats. Andrologia. 2020 Dec;52(11):e13808. https://doi.org/10.1111/and.13808. Epub 2020 Sep 3. PMID: 32882064
Shokry DA, El Nabrawy N, Yassa HD, Gaber SS, Batiha GE, Welson NN. Pregabalin induced reproductive toxicity and body weight changes by affecting caspase3 and leptin expression: Protective role of wheat germ oil. Life Sci. 2020 Nov 1;260:118344. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118344. Epub 2020 Aug 24. PMID: 32853651
Mestre VF, Jussiani EI, Martins CCN, Zeffa AC, Sestário CS, Salles MJS. Evaluation of the effects of prenatal exposure to pregabalin and postnatal analysis of dental and mandibular bone tissue development in rat offspring. Odontology. 2025 Mar 24. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10266-025-01090-9. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40126790
Alsanie WF, Alhomrani M, Gaber A, Habeeballah H, Alkhatabi HA, Felimban RI, Abdelrahman S, Hauser CAE, Chaudhary AG, Alamri AS, Raafat BM, Alamri A, Anwar S, Alswat KA, Althobaiti YS, Asiri YA. The Effects of Prenatal Exposure to Pregabalin on the Development of Ventral Midbrain Dopaminergic Neurons. Cells. 2022 Mar 1;11(5):852. https://doi.org/10.3390/cells11050852. PMID: 35269474; PMCID: PMC8909856
Ismail OI, Shaltout ES, Abdellah NZ, Hetta DF, Abd El-Ghani WMA, Abdelzaher LA, Mahmoud AMM, Hasan AM, Rashed NA, Ebrahem NE. The teratogenic effect of pregabalin on heart, liver and kidney in rats: a light microscopic, electron microscopic and immunohistochemical study. BMC Pharmacol Toxicol. 2022 Jan 5;23(1):4. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40360-021-00546-2
Pan Y, Blankfield RP, Kaelber DC, Xu R. Association of adverse cardiovascular events with gabapentin and pregabalin among patients with fibromyalgia. PLoS One. 2024 Jul 26;19(7):e0307515. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0307515. PMID: 39058736; PMCID: PMC11280525
Largeau B, Bordy R, Pasqualin C, Bredeloux P, Cracowski JL, Lengellé C, Gras-Champel V, Auffret M, Maupoil V, Jonville-Béra AP. Gabapentinoid-induced peripheral edema and acute heart failure: A translational study combining pharmacovigilance data and in vitro animal experiments. Biomed Pharmacother. 2022 May;149:112807. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2022.112807. Epub 2022 Mar 15. PMID: 35303569
Schiavo A, Stagnaro FM, Salzano A, Marra AM, Bobbio E, Valente P, Grassi S, Miniero M, Arcopinto M, Matarazzo M, Napoli R, Cittadini A. Pregabalin-induced first degree atrioventricular block in a young patient treated for pain from extrapulmonary tuberculosis. Monaldi Arch Chest Dis. 2017 Sep 28;87(3):838. https://doi.org/10.4081/monaldi.2017.838. PMID: 29424197
Wakabayashi H, Fukasawa T, Yoshida S, Ri K, Masuda S, Anno T, Kawakami K. Risk of Fracture Associated with Pregabalin or Mirogabalin Use: A Case-Case-Time-Control Study Based on Japanese Health Insurance Claims Data. Drug Saf. 2025 May;48(5):503-511. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40264-025-01516-x. Epub 2025 Feb 11. PMID: 39934585
Molero Y, Larsson H, D'Onofrio BM, Sharp DJ, Fazel S. Associations between gabapentinoids and suicidal behaviour, unintentional overdoses, injuries, road traffic incidents, and violent crime: population based cohort study in Sweden. BMJ. 2019 Jun 12;365:l2147. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.l2147. PMID: 31189556; PMCID: PMC6559335
Luo Y, Zhou X, Xiang A, Zeng Y, Luo J, Zhou B, Guo N, Zhou X. A case report of pregabalin misuse leading to drug dependence. Front Psychiatry. 2025 Mar 21;16:1511168. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1511168. PMID: 40191116; PMCID: PMC11969338
Novotny M, Bulla J, Hubl D, Fischer SKM, Grosshans M, Gutzeit A, Bilke-Hentsch O, Seifritz E, Mutschler J. Pregabalin use in forensic hospitals and prisons in German speaking countries-a survey study of physicians. Front Public Health. 2024 Jan 8;11:1309654. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1309654. PMID: 38259798; PMCID: PMC10800468
Ishikawa H, Takeshima M, Ishikawa H, Ayabe N, Ohta H, Mishima K. Pregabalin withdrawal in patients without psychiatric disorders taking a regular dose of pregabalin: A case series and literature review. Neuropsychopharmacol Rep. 2021 Sep;41(3):434-439. https://doi.org/10.1002/npr2.12195. Epub 2021 Aug 12. PMID: 34382380; PMCID: PMC8411313
Chiu CS, van Veenen AR, Haverkamp M, Schürmann L, Croes E. [Chemsex: health risks and the gap between healthcare needs and services among MSM]. Nl. Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 2023 Jul 26;167:D7517. Dutch. PMID: 37493310
Wang H, Jonas KJ, Guadamuz TE. Chemsex and chemsex associated substance use among men who have sex with men in Asia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2023 Feb 1;243:109741. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2022.109741. Epub 2022 Dec 20. PMID: 36630807; PMCID: PMC10435892
Batisse A, Eiden C, Deheul S, Monzon E, Djezzar S, Peyrière H. Chemsex practice in France: An update in Addictovigilance data. Fundam Clin Pharmacol. 2022 Apr;36(2):397-404. https://doi.org/10.1111/fcp.12725. Epub 2021 Sep 14. PMID: 34494320
von Hammerstein C, Billieux J. Sharpen the focus on chemsex. Addict Behav. 2024 Feb;149:107910. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2023.107910. Epub 2023 Nov 13. PMID: 37972423
Bohn A, Sander D, Köhler T, Hees N, Oswald F, Scherbaum N, Deimel D, Schecke H. Chemsex and Mental Health of Men Who Have Sex With Men in Germany. Front Psychiatry. 2020 Nov 4;11:542301. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2020.542301. PMID: 33329083; PMCID: PMC7672155
Wilkerson JM, Di Paola A, Nieto D, Schick V, Latini DM, Braun-Harvey D, Zoschke IN, McCurdy S. Sexual Violence and Chemsex among Substance-Using Sexual and Gender Minorities in Texas. Subst Use Misuse. 2021;56(14):2141-2150. https://doi.org/10.1080/10826084.2021.1975743. Epub 2021 Sep 22. PMID: 34550052
Nimbi FM, Rosati F, Esposito RM, Stuart D, Simonelli C, Tambelli R. Sex in Chemsex: Sexual Response, Motivations, and Sober Sex in a Group of Italian Men Who Have Sex With Men With Sexualized Drug Use. J Sex Med. 2021 Dec;18(12):1955-1969. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsxm.2021.09.013. Epub 2021 Oct 28. PMID: 34756552
Tan RKJ, Wong CM, Chen MI, Chan YY, Bin Ibrahim MA, Lim OZ, Chio MT, Wong CS, Chan RKW, Chua LJ, Choong BCH. Chemsex among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men in Singapore and the challenges ahead: A qualitative study. Int J Drug Policy. 2018 Nov;61:31-37. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugpo.2018.10.002. Epub 2018 Oct 26. PMID: 30388567
Rani S, Bhatia MS. Pregabalin dependence - A rising concern. Ind Psychiatry J. 2024 Aug;33(Suppl 1):S299-S300. https://doi.org/10.4103/ipj.ipj_179_23. Epub 2024 Feb 16. PMID: 39534175; PMCID: PMC11553582
Papanna B, Lazzari C, Kulkarni K, Perumal S, Nusair A. Pregabalin abuse and dependence during insomnia and protocol for short-term withdrawal management with diazepam: examples from case reports. Sleep Sci. 2021 Apr-Jun;14(Spec 2):193-197. https://doi.org/10.5935/1984-0063.20200129. PMID: 35082992; PMCID: PMC8764940
Lemain L, Lever D, Therene-Mouden C, Verdeau R, Barais M, Guillou-Landreat M. Chemsex Among Men Having Sex with Men: A Scoping Review on Management, Support, and Harm Reduction Strategies. J Sex Res. 2024 Aug 2:1-11. https://doi.org/10.1080/00224499.2024.2377592. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39093301
Pozo-Herce PD, Martínez-Sabater A, Sanchez-Palomares P, Garcia-Boaventura PC, Chover-Sierra E, Martínez-Pascual R, Gea-Caballero V, Saus-Ortega C, Ballestar-Tarín ML, Karniej P, Baca-García E, Juárez-Vela R. Effectiveness of Harm Reduction Interventions in Chemsex: A Systematic Review. Healthcare (Basel). 2024 Jul 15;12(14):1411. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12141411. PMID: 39057554; PMCID: PMC11275498
Adler Z, Fitzpatrick C, Broadwell N, Churchill D, Richardson D. Chemsex and antiretroviral prescribing in an HIV cohort in Brighton, UK. HIV Med. 2022 Aug;23(7):797-800. https://doi.org/10.1111/hiv.13239. Epub 2022 Jan 20. PMID: 35048490
Adley, M., Jones, G., & Measham, F. (2022). Jump-starting the conversation about harm reduction: making sense of drug effects. Drugs: Education, Prevention and Policy, 30(4), 347–360. https://doi.org/10.1080/09687637.2021.2013774
Watson H. The Impact of Prescription Drug Abuse on Public Health. J Health Econ Outcome Res. 2024, 9(6), 001-002
Altayeb L, Zkriea A, El Imam E, GreebAlla K, Hassan R, Ahmed R, Wazaify M. Perceptions of community pharmacists regarding pregabalin abuse: a survey from Sudan. Int J Pharm Pract. 2025 Feb 7;33(1):52-57. https://doi.org/10.1093/ijpp/riae071. PMID: 39673778
Ciesluk B, Inglis DG, Parke A, Troup LJ. Systematic review: The relationship between gabapentinoids, etizolam, and drug related deaths in Scotland. PLoS One. 2024 Oct 9;19(10):e0310655. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0310655. PMID: 39383139; PMCID: PMC11463789
Hong JSW, Atkinson LZ, Al-Juffali N, Awad A, Geddes JR, Tunbridge EM, Harrison PJ, Cipriani A. Gabapentin and pregabalin in bipolar disorder, anxiety states, and insomnia: Systematic review, meta-analysis, and rationale. Mol Psychiatry. 2022 Mar;27(3):1339-1349. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41380-021-01386-6. Epub 2021 Nov 24. PMID: 34819636; PMCID: PMC9095464
Skrypnyk, E.S. [Pregabalin: goals, effects, and precautions]. Uk. The Pharma Media. 2025. Retrieved from: https://thepharma.media/uk/medicine/36868-pregabalin-cili-efekti-ta-perestorogi-03022025
Ghosh A, Shukla S, Dhankar M, Naik SS, Subodh BN, Basu D. Understanding pregabalin misuse and dependence: Insights from a North Indian addiction treatment center. Indian J Psychiatry. 2024 Aug;66(8):723-728. https://doi.org/10.4103/indianjpsychiatry.indianjpsychiatry_307_24. Epub 2024 Aug 19. PMID: 39398509; PMCID: PMC11469571
McNeilage AG, Sim A, Nielsen S, Murnion B, Ashton-James CE. Experiences of misuse and symptoms of dependence among people who use gabapentinoids: A qualitative systematic review. Int J Drug Policy. 2024 Nov;133:104605. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugpo.2024.104605. Epub 2024 Oct 10. PMID: 39388918
Delva M, Khaustova O, Zaychenko G. Opinion from Neurologist, Psychiatrist and Clinical Pharmacologist. Neurology and Neurosurgery. Eastern Europe. 2020, volume 10, № 4. https://doi.org/616.741-071.4:616.85:615.213:616.8-009
Al-Husseini A, Wazaify M, Van Hout MC. Pregabalin Misuse and Abuse in Jordan: a Qualitative Study of User Experiences. Int J Ment Health Addict. 2018;16(3):642-654. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-017-9813-4. Epub 2017 Sep 15. PMID: 29904327; PMCID: PMC5986847
NHS Scotland. Gabapentinoid Prescribing for Chronic Pain in Primary Care. Resources for Clinicians and Boards. Retrieved from: https://www.therapeutics.scot.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Gabapentinoid-Guidance-updated-11122018-Final-v12-1.docx
Mobrad AM, Alghadeer S, Syed W, Al-Arifi MN, Azher A, Almetawazi MS, Babelghaith SD. Knowledge, Attitudes, and Beliefs Regarding Drug Abuse and Misuse among Community Pharmacists in Saudi Arabia. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Feb 19;17(4):1334. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17041334. PMID: 32092993; PMCID: PMC7068280
Ananeva L.P. [Rational pain therapy - a combination of analgesics]. Rus. RMJ. 2004;5:367
Kyryenko P.A. [The use of tramadol hydrochloride in broad clinical practice (literature review)]. Rus. РМЖ. 2004;8:512
Lynskyi Y. [Special regime for dosage. Tramadol as a reflection of national drug policy]. Rus. Zerkalo nedely. 2008. № 22
Crawford W. (2020). Gabapentinoids: The Next Opioid Epidemic? Retrieved from: https://painrelieffoundation.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/25-Gabapentinoids-The-Next-Opioid-Epidemic.pdf
Papadopulo P. N., Kosenkova I. V., Dobrovolskaya E. P., Glushchenko V. S. Changes on narcoscene and approaches toward treatment dependence from new drugs. Psykhichne Zdorovia. 2010
Ukrainska Pravda. U 2024 rotsi apteky zdebilshoho prodavaly opioid "Nalbufin" bez retsepta: medyky biut na spolokh [In 2024, pharmacies mostly sold the opioid “Nalbuphine” without a prescription: doctors are sounding the alarm]. Retrieved from: https://life.pravda.com.ua/health/u-2024-roci-apteki-prodali-3-mln-upakovok-nalbufinu-bilshist-bez-recepta-mediki-obureni-305609/
The Ukrainian Independent Information Agency of News. (2007). SOS! V Ukraini - prykhovana epidemiia narkomanii [SOS! Ukraine faces a hidden epidemic of drug addiction]. Retrieved from: https://www.unian.ua/health/country/63020-sos-v-ukrajini-prihovana-epidemiya-narkomaniji.html
Kontu M, Kantojärvi L, Hakko H, Riala K, Riipinen P. Misuse of prescribed psychotropic medication and drug crime offending: A follow-up case-control study of former adolescent psychiatric inpatients. Crim Behav Ment Health. 2022 Apr;32(2):124-137. https://doi.org/10.1002/cbm.2254. Epub 2022 Jun 23. PMID: 35735190; PMCID: PMC9327718
Parsons, G. Guide to the management of gabapentinoid misuse. Prescriber. 2018;29:25-30. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1002/psb.1664
Mutatayi, C. The ASPIRE standards: Taking a step towards quality assurance in drug prevention in France – A case study. Adiktologie. 2023;23(1), 55–61. https://doi.org/10.35198/01-2023-002-0001
Transform Drug Policy Foundation. Drug Decriminalisation in Portugal: Setting the Record Straight. Retrieved from: https://transformdrugs.org/blog/drug-decriminalisation-in-portugal-setting-the-record-straight
Duarte N, Martins JP, García-Pedraza JA, Santos M. Ten-year analgesic utilization patterns and economic implications in Portugal. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2025; 91(3): 866-881. https://doi.org/10.1111/bcp.16333
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
ISSN: 
