Gabapentin is a widely prescribed medication used to treat several neurological and pain-related conditions. As its use has grown, many patients and families ask an important question: Is gabapentin a controlled substance? Understanding how this drug is regulated, why it is prescribed, and the risks linked to misuse can help people make safer decisions about their health.
For individuals struggling with substance abuse or concerned about addiction risk, it is especially important to understand how gabapentin works and how it can interact with other medications.
This article will explore the effects and risks of gabapentin, as well as how to recognize abuse and seek treatment. Contact PAX Memphis to learn more about addiction recovery or to schedule an intake assessment.
What Is Gabapentin?
Gabapentin is a prescription medication originally developed to treat seizures in people with epilepsy. Today, it is also commonly used to treat nerve pain caused by several conditions. The drug is sold under brand names such as Neurontin, and a related form called gabapentin enacarbil is used for certain other conditions.
Medical professionals often prescribe gabapentin to:
- Treat seizures associated with epilepsy
- Relieve nerve pain caused by shingles
- Manage postherpetic neuralgia, a painful condition that can occur after shingles
- Treat restless legs syndrome, including cases described as moderate to severe primary restless legs syndrome
Gabapentin works by affecting how nerves send signals to the brain. This can help relieve nerve pain, stabilize nerve activity that causes seizures, and improve certain neurological symptoms.
Because of these benefits, gabapentin prescriptions have increased significantly in recent years.
Is Gabapentin a Controlled Substance?
The answer is complicated. At the federal level, gabapentin is not classified as a controlled substance by the federal government. However, some states have placed restrictions on the drug due to concerns about gabapentin misuse and its growing role in substance abuse cases.
In several states, including West Virginia and North Dakota, gabapentin has been classified as a Schedule V controlled substance. A Schedule V drug is considered to have lower abuse potential compared with other controlled substances, but still carries some risk.
States adopted these regulations after evidence showed the medication was increasingly being misused alongside other drugs, especially opioids. Even where gabapentin is not officially a controlled substance, pharmacies and doctors may still monitor gabapentin prescriptions closely.
Why Gabapentin Use Has Increased
Over the past two decades, gabapentin has become one of the most commonly prescribed medications in the United States. Several factors contributed to this increase.
First, the medication is effective for nerve pain conditions such as:
- Postherpetic neuralgia from shingles
- Neuropathic pain related to diabetes
- Pain associated with spinal injuries
It is also used for conditions beyond nerve pain. Some doctors prescribe gabapentin for anxiety, sleep problems, and mood conditions like depression. Although not always approved by the FDA for these uses, medical professionals sometimes prescribe medications off-label when they believe they may help a patient.
Gabapentin may also be prescribed to people recovering from alcohol use disorder to help reduce cravings or improve sleep. However, the increase in prescriptions has also raised concerns about safety and misuse.
Gabapentin and the Opioid Epidemic
During the US opioid epidemic, researchers began noticing that gabapentin was frequently found in cases involving opioid abuse. Many people who misuse opioids such as oxycodone or hydrocodone take gabapentin at the same time.
Studies have shown that combining gabapentin with opioids can increase the risk of respiratory depression, a condition where breathing becomes dangerously slow. This combination can also increase the risk of overdose.
Researchers have reported growing evidence that gabapentin may lead to additional dangers when combined with opioids or other depressant drugs. When people take gabapentin with substances such as alcohol, sedatives, or opioid medications, it can increase sleepiness, drowsiness, and breathing problems. These effects can become life-threatening. Because of these concerns, many states now track gabapentin in prescription monitoring programs.
Does Gabapentin Have Abuse Potential?
Gabapentin does have abuse potential, although it is generally lower than that of many other drugs. Some individuals misuse gabapentin to enhance the effects of opioids or to create feelings of relaxation or sedation.
In cases of gabapentin misuse, people may take higher doses than prescribed or combine it with other medications. This type of misuse can increase the risk of harmful side effects.
Signs of gabapentin abuse may include:
- Taking larger doses than prescribed
- Seeking multiple prescriptions from different doctors
- Combining the medication with alcohol or opioids
- Continuing use despite negative health effects
For individuals with a history of addiction, careful monitoring is important when taking gabapentin.
Conditions Gabapentin Is Used to Treat
Gabapentin remains an important medication for many health conditions when used properly. Doctors may prescribe gabapentin to treat a range of conditions.
Here is an overview of some of the conditions that may be treated with gabapentin.
Epilepsy and Seizures
Gabapentin was first approved to treat seizures in people with epilepsy. It helps stabilize electrical activity in the brain and reduce seizure frequency.
Nerve Pain Conditions
One of the most common reasons gabapentin is prescribed today is to treat nerve pain. Conditions that may cause nerve pain include:
- Postherpetic neuralgia after shingles
- Diabetic nerve damage
- Nerve injury after surgery or trauma
These types of pain can be severe and difficult to treat with standard pain medications.
Restless Legs Syndrome
The medication gabapentin enacarbil is approved to treat restless legs syndrome, particularly moderate to severe primary cases. This condition causes uncomfortable sensations in the legs and an urge to move them, often interfering with sleep.
Other Medical Conditions
Doctors may sometimes prescribe gabapentin for additional conditions such as:
- Anxiety disorders
- Sleep disturbances
- Chronic pain conditions
- Symptoms related to alcohol use disorder
Because gabapentin affects nerve signaling, it can influence many neurological symptoms.
Possible Side Effects of Gabapentin
Like any medication, gabapentin can cause side effects. Most are mild, but some can be serious.
Common side effects include:
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Sleepiness
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Cough
- Coordination problems
Some patients also report fatigue or difficulty concentrating. Other more serious side effects can occur in certain cases.
These may include:
- Breathing problems
- Severe respiratory depression when combined with opioids
- Increased risk of suicidal thoughts
- Severe allergic reactions
Certain people may be at higher risk of complications, including those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, older adults, and individuals taking multiple medications. It is critical to discuss unwanted or unexpected side effects and complications as soon as you recognize them.
Gabapentin and Drug Interactions
Gabapentin can interact with other medications, especially those that affect the nervous system.
Drugs that may increase risks when taken with gabapentin include:
- Opioids such as oxycodone or hydrocodone
- Sedative medications used for sleep or anxiety
- Certain antidepressants like fluoxetine
- Other nerve pain medications, such as pregabalin
Combining these drugs may increase sedation, dizziness, and breathing problems. Patients should always inform their doctor and pharmacist about all medicines they are taking before starting gabapentin.
Withdrawal Symptoms and Dependence
Although gabapentin is not traditionally considered highly addictive, dependence can occur with long-term or high-dose use.
When someone stops taking gabapentin suddenly, they may experience withdrawal symptoms. Common withdrawal symptoms include:
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Irritability
- Rapid heart rate
In rare cases, stopping gabapentin abruptly may trigger seizures, especially in people who were originally prescribed the drug for epilepsy. Because of this risk, doctors often recommend gradually reducing doses rather than stopping the medication suddenly.
Who May Be at Higher Risk of Misuse?
Anyone can experience complications or unwanted side effects when taking prescription medications, including gabapentin. Certain groups may have a higher risk of gabapentin misuse or complications.
These include:
- Individuals with a history of substance abuse
- People using opioids during the opioid epidemic
- Patients with existing addiction disorders
- Those who combine gabapentin with alcohol or sedatives
People struggling with alcohol misuse or opioid dependence may sometimes misuse gabapentin to enhance drug effects. However, for many patients, gabapentin remains safe and helpful when taken exactly as prescribed.
Safe Use of Gabapentin
Like all prescription medications, gabapentin has the potential to cause side effects and may have dangerous complications. To reduce risks, patients should follow several important safety steps.
Follow Prescription Instructions
Always take gabapentin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not increase doses without medical guidance.
Avoid Mixing with Alcohol or Opioids
Combining gabapentin with alcohol or opioid drugs like oxycodone or hydrocodone can increase the risk of overdose and respiratory depression.
Communicate with Medical Professionals
Always tell your doctor about all medications you take. This includes prescription drugs, supplements, and over-the-counter medicines.
Monitor Side Effects
If you experience serious side effects such as severe dizziness, breathing problems, or suicidal thoughts, contact a healthcare provider immediately.
When to Seek Help for Gabapentin Misuse
If you or someone you love struggles with gabapentin misuse, help is available. Substance abuse involving prescription medications can happen gradually and may go unnoticed at first.
Signs that someone may need support include:
- Taking gabapentin for reasons other than medical treatment
- Combining it with opioids or alcohol
- Difficulty stopping use despite negative consequences
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop
Treatment programs can help individuals address both medication misuse and underlying mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression. Recovery is possible with the right support.
Find Treatment and Support Now
If you are taking gabapentin or considering it as part of your treatment plan, talk openly with your doctor about risks, benefits, and safe use. Understanding your medications is an important step toward protecting your health and preventing substance misuse.
If you or a loved one abuses gabapentin or other substances, seek treatment right away. Explore your treatment options, verify insurance, or find other recovery support by contacting the recovery specialists at PAX Memphis now.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gabapentin
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Can gabapentin show up on a drug test?
Standard drug tests usually do not screen for gabapentin. Most routine panels are designed to detect substances such as opioids, benzodiazepines, cocaine, and amphetamines. However, specialized tests can detect gabapentin if a doctor, employer, or legal authority specifically requests it. In some areas where gabapentin misuse has increased, expanded drug screening may include it.
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How long does gabapentin stay in your system?
Gabapentin typically stays in the body for about one to two days after the last dose. The medication has a half-life of about five to seven hours, meaning it takes that amount of time for half of the drug to leave the bloodstream. Factors such as kidney function, dosage, length of use, and a person’s overall health can influence how long it remains in the body.
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Is gabapentin considered a narcotic?
Gabapentin is not classified as a narcotic. Narcotics usually refer to opioid medications used to treat pain, such as oxycodone or hydrocodone. Gabapentin works differently by affecting nerve signals in the brain and nervous system rather than directly targeting pain receptors the way opioids do.
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Can gabapentin affect mood or mental health?
Some people report mood changes while using gabapentin. In certain cases, patients may experience irritability, emotional shifts, or worsening symptoms of anxiety or depression. Because medications that affect the nervous system can influence mental health, it is important to speak with a doctor if noticeable mood changes occur while using the medication.
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Is gabapentin safe for long-term use?
For many patients, gabapentin can be used safely for long periods when monitored by a doctor. Long-term use may require regular medical checkups to ensure the medication is still appropriate and effective. Doctors may also periodically review dosages and evaluate whether continued use is necessary.