Beware nonopiate meds with high street value

Drug-specific toxicology screening is worthy of consideration as a means of confirming the presence of the prescribed medication, along with the absence of opioids or other drugs that shouldn’t be on board.

“I do this with gabapentin, because I see a lot of diversion,” he explained. “If gabapentin doesn’t show up in the toxicology screen, I stop prescribing it. Or if I detect it and it hasn’t been prescribed, that allows me to have a safety discussion with the patient.”

Dr. Walley reported no financial conflicts of interest regarding his presentation.

bjancin@mdedge.com