Dr. Karen Scott, director and associate professor of Forensic Science, published an article in the March 2020 issue of the Oxford University Press’ Journal of Analytical Toxicology titled, “An Insight into Gabapentin and Pregabalin in Scottish Prisoners.”

The article was based on a study done with Dr. Scott’s University of Glasgow doctorate student Shaza Deeb in collaboration with the University of Glasgow and Scottish Prison Services. The study’s purpose was to evaluate the prevalence and potential abuse of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) among prisoners in Scotland.

The study found a high prevalence of AEDs in the Scottish prison system, primarily due to the drugs Gabapentin and Pregabalin. However, due to anonymous sample collection they were unable to determine if these drugs had been prescribed or acquired illicitly. 

The Journal of Analytical Toxicology is an international toxicology journal published by the Oxford University Press, which is devoted to the study of potentially toxic substances as well as drug identification and research.