Child 6–11 years 10 mg/kg once daily (max. per dose 300 mg) on day 1, then 10 mg/kg twice daily (max. per dose 300 mg) on day 2, then 10 mg/kg 3 times a day (max. per dose 300 mg) on day 3; usual dose 25–35 mg/kg daily in 3 divided doses, some children may not tolerate daily increments; longer intervals (up to weekly) may be more appropriate, daily dose maximum to be given in 3 divided This guideline covers general principles for prescribing and managing withdrawal from opioids, benzodiazepines, gabapentinoids, Z‑drugs and antidepressants in primary and secondary care. Safe prescribing: NICE guideline DRAFT (October 2021) 3 of 30 1 Context 2 Medicines associated with dependence or withdrawal symptoms include 3 benzodiazepines, Z-drugs (such as zopiclone and zolpidem), opioids, gabapentin 4 and pregabalin. Antidepressants, although historically not classified as dependence- These recommendations are based on the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline: Neuropathic pain - pharmacological management.The pharmacological management of neuropathic pain in adults in non-specialist settings [NICE, 2019a] and NICE [NG215] Medicines associated with dependence or withdrawal symptoms: safe prescribing and withdrawal management for adults []. Pregabalin and gabapentin have a well-defined role in the treatment neuropathic pain as per NICE CG173 and local prescribing guidelines. Prescribers should also be aware that use of pregabalin and gabapentin can lead to dependence and may be misused or diverted as highlighted in recent Public Health England Advice. For detailed prescribing information on gabapentin, see prescribing information section Gabapentin in the CKS topic on Neuropathic pain - drug treatment. [ EMC, 2024b ; BNF, 2025 ] The content on the NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries site (CKS) is the copyright of Clarity Informatics Limited (trading as Agilio Software Primary Care) . Guidance on swapping and stopping antidepressants September 2016 Version No: 3.0 Page 3 of 4 Guidance on swapping and stopping antidepressants (Quick Guide for primary care) e from to / m e e e e e cs e e / b de e n How to stop Reduce dose over at least 4 weeks (longer may be required) Reduce over 2weeks until dose is 20mg daily then stop What issues should I consider before prescribing gabapentin? For prescribing information, see the section on Gabapentin in the CKS topic on Neuropathic pain - drug treatment . The content on the NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries site (CKS) is the copyright of Clarity Informatics Limited (trading as Agilio Software Primary Care) . Gabapentin (off-label), depending on local prescribing guidelines. Up to 300 mg three times a day, initial dose should be lower and titrated up over 3 days. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), depending on local service provision. For mood disorders, consider: Self-help resources and a trial of CBT for low mood and/or anxiety. how difficult it might be to stop the medicine later and how that might be managed (see the section on withdrawing a dependence-forming medicine or antidepressant) that missing doses may lead to symptoms of withdrawal. how to store medicines safely (for more information, see the NICE guideline on controlled drugs). 4. NICE Guidance CG173 Recommendations | Neuropathic pain in adults: pharmacological management in non-specialist settings | Guidance | NICE accessed 15/3/21 5. GABAPENTIN | Drug | BNF content published by NICE accessed 15/3/21 6. Gabapentin 300mg Capsules - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc) (medicines.org.uk) accessed 19/3/21 7. Pregabalin is licensed for the treatment of peripheral or central neuropathic pain in adults [ABPI, 2020c].However, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends pregabalin as a first-line treatment option for adults with all neuropathic pain (except trigeminal neuralgia) [NICE, 2019a]. • If a patient develops acute pancreatitis, gabapentin discontinuation should be considered • History of substance abuse, psychotic illness. • Diabetes mellitus. Drug interactions • Gabapentin with opioids or TCAs: CNS depression. • Gabapentin with TCAs or duloxetine: increased risk of hyponatraemia Time to response: 2 weeks. Time to Gabapentin is licensed for the treatment of peripheral neuropathic pain such as painful diabetic neuropathy and postherpetic neuralgia in adults [ABPI, 2020a].However, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends gabapentin as a first-line treatment option for adults with all neuropathic pain (except trigeminal neuralgia) [NICE, 2019a]. NICE also suggest a four week period for withdrawal of antidepressant treatment (4): stopping or reducing antidepressants. advise people that discontinuation symptoms may occur on stopping, missing doses or, occasionally, reducing the dose of the drug. 27 STOP 5mg 28 STOP STOP *Higher dose can be ‘see-sawed’ down, reducing only one of the doses at a time, if changing both doses simultaneously is too much for someone Tapentadol modified release (MR) e.g. starting at 250mg twice daily Dose changes should be individualised to the person, and made not more frequently than weekly. Change 1. The rationale for stopping opioids including the potential benefits of opioid reduction. 2. Agreed aims of tapering e.g. reducing to 120mg/day morphine equivalence, or stopping opioid completely. 3. Arrangements for monitoring and support during tapering programme. Some patients will choose not to engage with a reduction, yet you have The recommendations in this guideline represent the view of NICE, arrived at after careful consideration of the evidence available. When exercising their judgement, professionals and practitioners are expected to take this guideline fully into account, alongside the individual needs, preferences and values of their patients or the people using CV and GI risk to be taken into consideration NICE KTT13 NSAIDs Consider topical NSAID ahead of oral NSAID in osteoarthritis Paracetamol Max 1000mg QDS First line in osteoarthritis. Regular dosing may be required. Caution in low body weight, malnutrition, dehydration, alcohol dependence (NICE CKS Use of gabapentin for central neuropathic pain is therefore off-label. However, gabapentin is recommended by NICE as a first-line treatment option for adults with all types of neuropathic pain (except trigeminal neuralgia). Interactions. There are no clinically relevant pharmacokinetic interactions between gabapentin and pregabalin.
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