NAFDAC Warns of Drug Poisoning Risk From Combining Gabapentin, Pregabalin With Other Medicines

By Adebola Muili

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has warned Nigerians against the concurrent use of gabapentin and pregabalin with certain medicines, particularly opioids and benzodiazepines, following emerging evidence of an increased risk of drug poisoning.

NAFDAC gave the warning in its Public Alert No. 039/2026, informing healthcare professionals and members of the public of the potential dangers associated with combining gabapentinoids with other medicines.

According to the agency, a study conducted by researchers at University College London (UCL) found that among patients taking gabapentinoids, the concurrent use of benzodiazepines was associated with approximately a two-fold increase in the risk of hospitalisation for drug poisoning.

It added that concurrent use of gabapentinoids with opioids was associated with about a 30 per cent increase in the risk.

Gabapentinoids, which include gabapentin and pregabalin, are commonly prescribed for neuropathic pain, epilepsy and anxiety disorders, while they are increasingly being used as alternatives to opioids for pain management.

NAFDAC said the risk could be higher among elderly patients, people with respiratory disorders, patients receiving opioids, benzodiazepines or other central nervous system (CNS) depressants, and individuals with a history of substance abuse.

Possible adverse effects, according to the regulatory agency, include excessive drowsiness, respiratory depression, impaired consciousness and drug poisoning.

The agency therefore advised members of the public to use gabapentin and pregabalin only as prescribed by healthcare professionals and to inform their healthcare providers of all medicines they are taking.

It also warned against self-medication and unauthorised combinations of medicines.

NAFDAC urged anyone who experiences unusual drowsiness, difficulty breathing or loss of consciousness while taking the medicines to seek immediate medical attention.

“Seek immediate medical attention if you experience unusual drowsiness, difficulty breathing, or loss of consciousness while taking these medicines,” the agency advised.

The agency also encouraged healthcare professionals and patients to report adverse events or side effects associated with medicinal products or devices to the nearest NAFDAC office.

According to NAFDAC, such reports could be made through the e-reporting platforms available on its website, the Med-Safety application available for download on Android and iOS stores, or via email at pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng.

For complaints, members of the public can contact the agency’s Reforms Unit on 09097630506 or 09097630507, or send an email to reforms@nafdac.gov.ng.