Gabapentin is a prescription medication approved by the FDA for the treatment of neuropathic pain (postherpetic neuralgia) and seizure disorders. Why is gabapentin controlled in some states? Gabapentin is structurally and pharmacologically related to pregabalin (Lyrica, Lyrica CR), which is a Schedule V drug and controlled federally in all states. Controlled substances (schedules 2 through 5 federally) Drugs of concern (butalbital, naloxone, promethazine in oral liquid formulations, and gabapentin containing products) Louisiana C-V controlled substances (ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, phenylpropanolamine containing products) Therapeutic marijuana recommendations. Gabapentin is a controlled substance in states like Michigan and Kentucky, while others have mandated reporting rules. Learn about its risk for abuse here. Chemistry: Gabapentin is chemically known as 2-[1-(aminomethyl) cyclohexaneacetic acid]. Gabapentin closely resembles pregabalin, a schedule V drug under the Controlled Substances Act in its chemical structure and pharmacological activity. The increase is a direct result of the additional reporting requirement of two drugs of concern (promethazine in oral liquid formulations and gabapentin containing products) as of January 20, 2021. There is a continued downward trend in the number of opioid and controlled dangerous substance prescription dispensations to Louisiana patients. Gabapentin isn't a narcotic, but it is a controlled substance in some states. Here's what you should know before using it. (4) Wholesale drug distributors licensed by the Louisiana Board of Drug and Device Distributors and registered with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration shall be exempt from the storage, reporting, record keeping, and physical security requirements for controlled dangerous substances for nonprescription products containing Gabapentin, originally developed to treat epilepsy, has gained popularity as a medication for neuropathic pain and other conditions. However, its increasing use has raised concerns about potential misuse and addiction. As a result, various states have begun to classify gabapentin as a controlled substance. Understanding the legal status of gabapentin across different jurisdictions is crucial §963. Schedules of controlled dangerous substances There are established five schedules of controlled substances, to be known as Schedules I, II, III, IV, and V. Such schedules shall initially consist of the substances listed in R.S. 40:964. In determining that a substance is to be added to these schedules, the secretary shall find the following: A. As to Schedule I: (1) The drug or other Gabapentin isn’t classified as a controlled substance under federal law in the United States. But it is classified as a controlled substance in some states. In addition, a federal rule became effective August 18, 2014 which places tramadol (Ultram) products into Schedule IV of the federal list of controlled substances. This product was previously a non-controlled substance and can no longer be prescribed by APRNs in Louisiana for the management of chronic, non-cancer related pain. Gabapentin, initially developed for epilepsy, is now widely used for nerve pain and other off-label applications. Rising prescription rates have sparked discussions about whether it should be classified as a controlled substance due to concerns over misuse and dependency. Learn whether gabapentin is a controlled substance, as well as risks of prescription drug abuse and treatment for gabapentin addiction. (38) "Production" includes the manufacture, planting, cultivation, growing, or harvesting of a controlled dangerous substance. (39) "Secretary" means the secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health or his successor. (40) "State" means the state of Louisiana. RS 40:978 - Prescriptions A. Except when dispensed or administered directly by a medical practitioner or administered by a person authorized to administer by such practitioner, other than a pharmacist, to an ultimate user, no controlled dangerous substance included in Schedule II, which is a prescription drug as determined under the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, may be dispensed or The Louisiana version of the controlled substances schedules are enumerated in the Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substances Act, more specifically in La R.S. 40:964, as well as the relevant section of the administrative code, more specifically at LAC 46:LIII.2703. 2024 Louisiana Laws Revised Statutes Title 40 - Public Health and Safety §40:963. Schedules of controlled dangerous substances The board shall verify the prescriber or dispenser applicant is in possession of a valid license to prescribe or dispense controlled substances, or in the case of an agency application, the board shall verify agency representation. In the state of Kentucky, prescribers without a DEA license are unable to prescribe gabapentin after it was classified as a Schedule V controlled substance. 38 This licensing requirement is part of the state’s Controlled Substances Act which had the greatest impact on mid-level practitioners who may not have a DEA license. Individuals at the highest risk for abusing gabapentin include those with opioid abuse, mental illness, or previous history of prescription drug abuse. States are now taking action to track gabapentin use through prescription monitoring programs, and some states have reclassified it as a Schedule V controlled substance.
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