Gabapentin controlled substance status

Gabapentin is approved to treat postherpetic neuralgia and epilepsy with partial-onset seizures. The large majority of gabapentin prescribing off label. may be abused for euphoria, potentiating the high from opiates, reduction alcohol cravings, a cocaine-like high, as well sedation or sleep. Individuals at highest risk abusing include those opioid abuse, mental illness, previous history prescription drug abuse. States are now taking action track use through monitoring programs, some states have reclassified it Schedule V controlled substance. This commentary summarizes gabapentin’s abuse potential, identifies state-level actions regarding monitoring, discusses possible clinical implications ways enhance patient safety when gabapentin.