Gabapentinoids and AF in the elderly – a further issue for concern

Gabapentinoids (gabapentin and pregabalin) are widely prescribed for older people. Case reports have previously documented an association with Atrial Fibrillation, and Spanish researchers have explored this potential relationship further. Older patients without pre-existing cardiovascular disease and treated with a gabapentinoid were compared to patients who initiated treatment with an analgesic opiate or with alprazolam or diazepam. Treatment with an oral anticoagulant plus an antiarrhythmic drug (OAC + AA), or an oral anticoagulant or an antiplatelet agent plus an antiarrhythmic drug (OAC/APA + AA), in the 3 months after treatment initiation were used as surrogate markers for the onset of AF. Both of the gabapentinoids were associated with an apparent substantial increased risk of AF – further research is urgently needed given the widespread and growing use of these drugs. Read more here