Since 2010, the use of a painkiller known as ”gabapentinoids” (such as gabapentin and pregabalin) has seen a sharp rise, with its consumption quadrupling, raising increasing concern among health professionals, according to TV2.
Despite a noticeable decrease in doctors prescribing opioid painkillers, this type of drug has begun to spread quietly within Danish homes, without receiving attention commensurate with its risks.
According to a recent study, the number of daily doses used of these drugs has increased from about 7 million doses in 2010 to more than 30 million doses by 2023. Many doctors have expressed concern about this trend, noting that these drugs may cause addiction and significantly increase the risk of falls, especially among the elderly.
Dr. Nina Kvorning, president of the Danish Pain Research Association, described the trend towards replacing opioids with gabapentin as “an inappropriate choice,” noting that the drug lacks high efficacy and is associated with a large number of side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness, according to the source.
Professor Anton Pottegård of the University of Southern Denmark expressed concern that doctors may be too quick to prescribe these drugs without paying sufficient attention to their risks, which could lead to a “health crisis right under our noses,” according to the source.
For his part, Dr. Per Björn Voge Jensen from the pain center at Rigshospitalet pointed out that 10% elderly people over 80 years of age are taking gabapentin, which is “worrying” because of its side effects on this vulnerable group, according to the source.
Many doctors attribute this increase to patient pressure and a general societal desire for quick solutions, especially given the scarcity of effective alternatives for treating chronic pain. They pointed out that the current focus on reducing opioid prescriptions has not been accompanied by sufficient support for non-pharmacological treatments.
Although the Danish Health Authority recommended years ago the development of support programs for chronic pain patients, those recommendations have not been implemented as required, according to specialists.
In a statement to TV 2, the agency confirmed that one of its goals for 2025 will be to reduce excessive drug consumption, noting the importance of considering non-drug alternatives for treating chronic pain.
