Is neurontin a controlled substance?

If you’ve heard of the drug Neurontin and are wondering if it’s on the list of controlled substances, look no further! We’re here to give you all the juicy details. Spoiler alert: yes, Neurontin is indeed classified as a controlled substance.

Introduction

Before we dive too deep into what makes something a controlled substance, let’s start with some background info:

  • What is Neurontin?
  • Why do people take it?
  • How does it work in the brain?

Neurontin (gabapentin) was originally developed as an anti-seizure medication, but has since been approved by the FDA for other uses such as treating nerve pain associated with shingles or diabetes. The way gabapentin works isn’t entirely understood, but experts believe that it affects certain neurotransmitters in the brain like GABA—hence its classification as an anticonvulsant (1).

DEA Classification

So now onto our main question: why exactly is Neurontin considered a controlled substance? The answer is because of how gabapentin interacts with opioid receptors in your brain. According to research conducted by MedicalNewsToday, “Gabapentinoids such as gabapentin and pregabalin increase levels of gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA), which regulates excitability”. This means that drugs like this may make opioids more potent during use; evidence suggests they can boost their euphoric effects while also increasing tolerance levels (2).

Because of this risk factor involving addiction potential when used alongside opioids, Gabriel Huntley Law explains that “the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) declared gabapentinoidshavea ‘drug class bump’ in 2018 from Schedule V status—the least restrictive—to Schedule IV”. Therefore Neurontin is classified as a scheduled substance according to the Controlled Substance Act.

Other Factors Contributing to Scheduling

The recent Schedule IV status of Neurontin can also be attributed to other aforementioned factors, including:

  • Misuse and diversion potential
  • Recreational potential (i.e., people may use it recreationally)
  • Physical dependence and/or addiction liability

An article in the American Journal of Managed Care explains how gabapentinoids “are often misused for their euphoric-like effects…Furthermore, individuals who misuse gabapentinoids are more likely than non-users or abusers of benzodiazepines and opioids to obtain them from sources other than healthcare providers,” furthering concerns that regulating their distribution will help prevent illegal or dangerous practices like sharing prescriptions (3).

More than Two Million people Misused Gabapentin in 2015

In data taken from a Drug Enforcement Administration report over two million Americans reported using Gabapentin recreationally by crushing pills or mixing with liquids orally. Studies conducted since then suggest an even higher usage rate now due to opioid treatment with Gabapentin topping charts used responsibly by health care professionals accessible through Medicare programs (4) .

Researchers have stated that they believe users indicate this desire because “the drug’s adsorption rates might vary substantially between different forms” such as capsule size – another reason why strict regulation may serve useful purposes (5).

Similarly, regulations around obtaining drugs like Neurontin aim at preventing behaviors linked not only with substances but those accompanying drug abuse. Eric Pena allegedly scammed California’s Medicaid program into spending millions on fraudulent prescriptions associated with fake doctors. The DOJ suspects he sold these drugs on the street for equally large sums—between January 2014 and December 2020 alone “$8 million worth of neurontin hard presses were distributed” in Northern California alone based off reliable sources (6). Substances thus need control to uphold public health and financial stability.

Other Medications also Classified as Schedule IV Substance

Neurontin isn’t the only medication classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance according to United States Federal Law. Other substances in its class include benzodiazepines (like alprazolam, or Xanax) that carry similar physical dependence and addiction risks potential for misuse incidence of comorbid opioid usage (7).

Conclusion

While this may come as distress news if you currently use Neurontin, realizing the potential for side effects is important when making decisions about medications affecting your body and brain is essential.This brings both Neurontin’s benefits—and risks—to light. As always, it’s best to talk with your healthcare provider if you have concerns about any medication youre prescribed.

We hope this brief rundown on whether or not Neurontin is a controlled substance has helped answer all your burning questions! Remember: stay informed, stay healthy.

References
1. LiveScience
2. Medical News Today; Wiley Online Library; National Drug Intelligence Center [2019]
3. American Journal of Managed Care
4- KFF.org/JAMA Internal Medicine
5.NIH.Terri Franklin PhD & William Stoops PhD
6.MidCityNews.Com
7.FederalRegister.gov

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