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. Gabapentin is not a federally-controlled drug substance and does not contain an opioid (narcotic) medication. However, gabapentin misuse and abuse has been reported, and it may be restricted in some states through their state drug-monitoring program. The narcotic analgesic converter is based on the following table: Note: levorphanol, oxymorphone, and propoxyphene have been eliminated from the calculator. Drug Duration Half-life Route Equianalgesic Dosage: Codeine 4-6 h 3 h IM/IV/SC 120 mg PO 200 mg Fentanyl 1-2 h 1.5-6 h IM/IV 0.1 - 0.2 mg Hydrocodone 4-8 h Also known as “opioids,” the term “narcotic” comes from the Greek word for “stupor” and originally referred to a variety of substances that dulled the senses and relieved pain. Though some people still refer to all drugs as “narcotics,” today “narcotic” refers to opium, opium derivatives, and their semi-synthetic substitutes. Gabapentin is a valuable medication with specific therapeutic uses, particularly for seizures and neuropathic pain. It is not a narcotic, nor an opioid, and operates via different mechanisms in the body. Misunderstanding gabapentin’s classification and how it works can lead to inappropriate use and potential adverse effects. Gabapentin is not currently listed as a controlled substance under federal law. However, some states classify gabapentin as a Schedule V substance or a drug of concern and mandate reporting to PMP. Furthermore, other states are considering similar actions due to increasing evidence of associated risks. 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 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. Narcotic analgesic combinations Does gabapentin help treat nerve pain? Data sources include Micromedex (updated 10 Mar 2025), Cerner Multum™ (updated 30 Mar Opioids (narcotic analgesics) are a class of medicines that are used to provide relief from moderate-to-severe acute or chronic pain. They may also be called opiates, opioid analgesics, or narcotics. They may also be called opiates, opioid analgesics, or narcotics. Opioid overdose is a major risk if you take a narcotic drug for a long time. Before you are prescribed a narcotic, your provider may first do the following: Screen you to see if you are at risk for or already have an opioid use problem. Teach you and your family how to respond if you have an overdose. 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. Medications used to treat nerve-related pain, such as pregabalin and gabapentin. Marijuana/cannabis (prescription or otherwise). Can I drink alcohol while on opioids? Do not drink any alcohol while taking opioids. Drinking alcohol with these medications may make you even drowsier and increase the risk of other side effects occurring. Gabapentin is not a narcotic, nor is it an opioid. It’s crucial to understand this distinction because these terms are often used interchangeably, leading to confusion and misconceptions about the medication. Narcotic pain meds like oxycodone and hydrocodone are typically prescribed to manage moderate to severe pain. However, many people misuse them for their euphoric and relaxing effects. 1 Narcotic painkillers are also commonly referred to as prescription opioids—contrary to what some may think, there is no difference between narcotic and opioid drugs. 2 Also known as “opioids,” the term “narcotic” comes from the Greek word for “stupor” and originally referred to a variety of substances that dulled the senses and relieved pain. Though some people still refer to all drugs as “narcotics,” today “narcotic” refers to opium, opium derivatives, and their semi-synthetic substitutes. 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. 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 Drug Gabapentin (Neurontin) is not a narcotic or federally controlled substance by the DEA as of November 2022, but it is classified as a Schedule V controlled substance in certain states. It's not a narcotic but it's a controlled substance in some states:
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