2.4 Eligibility criteria
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs), non-randomised
controlled trials and observational studies that assessed an
intervention aimed at reducing or ceasing the prescription or use of a
gabapentinoid in adults (≥18 years) for any indication (including
off-label use) in a clinical setting. The comparator could be usual care
(i.e. no intervention), placebo or an active control. Studies targeting
deprescribing in the context of polypharmacy interventions (most
commonly defined as ≥5 regular prescribed medications) were included if
they reported gabapentinoid-specific data. The deprescribing
intervention could be aimed at either the clinician, patient or both
across any setting. Non-randomised trials were defined as trials where
the allocation was not at random (e.g. quasi-randomised controlled
trials). We excluded animal studies, non-interventional studies (e.g.
commentaries) and those involving paediatric populations (<18
years) or patients living with cancer.