Gabapentin is approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat epilepsy and pain related to nerve damage, called neuropathy. Also known by its brand name, Neurontin, the drug acts as a sedative. Unlike opioids, gabapentin is not classified as a narcotic, but concerns about gabapentin abuse and its serious side effects have led some to question its safety and management. This blog explores whether gabapentin should be classified as a narcotic, its potential for misuse, and the current state of healthcare policy surrounding its prescription. To understand why Kentucky’s CHFS chose to have Gabapentin declared narcotic, it helps to understand what Gabapentin actually does. Gabapentin Declared Narcotic. So what is Gabapentin, anyway? The FDA first approved Neurontin (brand name for Gabapentin) for use in 1993. Gabapentin has been available as a generic medication since 2004. Gabapentin’s potential for abuse, especially in combination with opioids, may have been misjudged — but the drug remains safe for approved uses. It’s not a narcotic, but what it does, is Is gabapentin a narcotic or controlled substance? Gabapentin is not a narcotic. It's not classified as a controlled substance in most states. (Kentucky, West Virginia, Michigan, Tennessee, and Virginia have reclassified gabapentin as a Schedule V controlled substance). Gabapentin is not an opioid. Is gabapentin addictive? Based on formal interpreations, Gabapentin is not a narcotic. From an informal perspective with varying definitions of the term “narcotic,” some may perceive Gabapentin as a narcotic. Formal context: Based on the formal definition of narcotic in the United States, Neurontin (Gabapentin) is not considered a narcotic. The drug is not subject Gabapentin is not a narcotic; however, according to the DEA, gabapentin has been increasingly documented as an illicit drug of abuse by police, in crime reports, and by U.S. poison control centers. Rates of diversion have also increased with gabapentin. Gabapentin isn’t a controlled substance or narcotic on the federal level, but several states have passed laws to make it a Schedule V controlled substance. Gabapentin has risks and adverse effects, especially when combined with some other substances. NO. Gabapentin is not a Narcotic! No, gabapentin is not classified as a narcotic (opioid). It is an anticonvulsant and nerve pain medication that is primarily used to treat seizures and neuropathic pain (pain caused by nerve damage), such as that from shingles or diabetic neuropathy. It is also sometimes prescribed off-label for conditions like If your doctor has prescribed gabapentin for you to treat epilepsy, neuropathic pain, or another condition, you may be wondering if it is considered a narcotic and if it is safe for you to take. Gabapentin and pregabalin for pain—is increased prescribing a cause for concern?. N Engl J Med. 2017;377(5):411-414. Johansen ME. Gabapentinoid use in the United States 2002 through 2015. Opioids, commonly known as narcotics, are FDA approved to treat moderate to severe pain. But these controlled substances carry a high risk of dependence and misuse . As a result, some healthcare providers may prescribe gabapentin (Neurontin) as an alternative to opioids for various types of pain. At the national level, gabapentin is not classified as a controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). This means it is not subject to the stringent regulations that apply to opioids or benzodiazepines, which are categorized based on their potential for abuse, medical use, and safety. Federal law does not classify gabapentin as a narcotic, contrary to some misconceptions. Opioids, technically referred to as narcotics, are substances that induce morphine-like effects and are commonly used for pain relief. However, gabapentin does not belong to this category. Gabapentin (Neurontin) is a prescription drug. It comes as an oral capsule, an immediate- or extended-release oral tablet, and an oral solution. Gabapentin isn't a narcotic, but it is a Gabapentin is not currently considered a narcotic or controlled substance by the federal government, but certain states have enacted legislation that it is treated as one or monitored by the state’s prescription drug monitoring program. Gabapentin isn’t a narcotic or federally controlled substance, but it is regulated and recognized as a controlled substance in certain states. Gabapentin is approved by the Food and [1] Gabapentin: MedlinePlus Drug Information Learn More: Is gabapentin a narcotic? [2] Substance misuse of gabapentin – PMC (nih.gov) Learn More: Is gabapentin a narcotic? [3] Gabapentin drug misuse signals: A pharmacovigilance assessment using the FDA adverse event reporting system – PMC (nih.gov) Learn More: Is gabapentin a narcotic? No, gabapentin is not classified as a narcotic (opioid). It is an anticonvulsant and nerve pain medication that is primarily used to treat seizures and neuropathic pain (pain caused by nerve damage), such as that from shingles or diabetic neuropathy. Gabapentin isn’t considered a controlled substance by the federal government. But several states have passed their own laws limiting the prescribing and sale of it. Eight states have made gabapentin a schedule V controlled substance.
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