“We were all looking for the magic pill”: A qualitative study of patient experiences using gabapentinoids for chronic pain

Background: Gabapentinoid medications are increasingly being used in chronic pain management, yet very little is known about the experiences of those using them. The aim of this study was to address this gap in the literature by qualitatively exploring the lived experiences of patients using gabapentinoids for chronic pain. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 adults prescribed a gabapentinoid medication – either pregabalin or gabapentin – for chronic pain in Australia. Interviews were conducted in May 2022 via telephone or online video chat. Audio recordings of the interviews were transcribed verbatim, and data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. The Medication Adherence Model was used as a framework for synthesising the data and organising themes. Results: For participants in this study, the initial decision to use gabapentinoids for chronic pain was driven by a level of desperation for pain relief, a perceived lack of pain management alternatives, and a belief that the medication was safer and easier to access than opioids. However, once using gabapentinoids, experiences varied considerably with some viewing the medication as effective and safe, and others viewing it as useless or harmful. Some participants expressed concern that they were not adequately informed by their prescribers about the risks of gabapentinoid use. Conclusion: These findings emphasise the importance of patient-provider communication and taking a patient-centred approach to gabapentinoid prescribing and de-prescribing. Future qualitative research in this area should involve primary care providers to gain a better understanding of factors driving increased gabapentinoid prescribing in chronic pain management as well as barriers to patient education.