Which states consider gabapentin a controlled substance? A state-by-state guide

October 10, 2025 •

5 min read

While the federal government does not classify gabapentin as a controlled substance, several states have independently reclassified it as a Schedule V medication due to growing concerns over its misuse and abuse. This state-level approach means regulations for gabapentin can vary dramatically across the country, affecting prescribing practices and pharmacy dispensing rules.

Quick Summary

Gabapentin's regulatory status varies by state; some classify it as a Schedule V controlled substance while others require prescription monitoring due to rising abuse concerns, particularly with opioids.

Key Points

Federal vs. State Control: Gabapentin is not a federally controlled substance, but several states have imposed their own regulations due to misuse concerns.
Schedule V States: As of 2024, states including Alabama, Kentucky, Michigan, North Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia classify gabapentin as a Schedule V controlled substance.
PDMP Reporting States: Numerous other states and jurisdictions, such as Connecticut, Ohio, and Wisconsin, require gabapentin prescriptions to be tracked via their Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs).
Reason for Regulations: The main drivers for state-level regulation include gabapentin's potential for abuse, its use to potentiate opioids, and rising rates of misuse, particularly in combination with other central nervous system depressants.
Impact on Prescribing: State regulations can affect prescription rules, including refill limits and the monitoring required for safe dispensing, creating varied rules across the U.S..

The Shifting Status of Gabapentin

For many years, gabapentin (brand names Neurontin, Gralise) was regarded as having a low potential for abuse. As a result, it has never been federally classified as a controlled substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). However, a notable surge in off-label use and non-medical use (NMU), often in combination with opioids, led to increased reports of misuse and overdose deaths. This has prompted several state governments to take matters into their own hands, enacting specific legislation to either classify gabapentin as a Schedule V controlled substance or mandate that it be reported to state prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs). The variation in these state-specific policies means that pharmacists and medical professionals must stay informed of their local regulations, and patients may experience different prescribing and refilling procedures depending on their location.

States Where Gabapentin Is a Controlled Substance

Several states have officially designated gabapentin as a Schedule V controlled substance within their jurisdictions. This classification requires stricter controls on prescribing and dispensing, similar to other controlled substances, though with a lower potential for abuse than drugs in Schedules I through IV. The specific regulations may include limits on refills, prescription expiration dates, and stricter documentation requirements. The states that have taken this step as of mid-2024 include:

Alabama
Kentucky
Michigan
North Dakota
Tennessee
Virginia
West Virginia

These states, many of which have been heavily impacted by the opioid crisis, have observed a strong link between gabapentin misuse and opioid use disorder, leading them to implement these stricter controls. The aim is to curb the diversion of the drug and reduce potential for fatal interactions, especially when combined with other central nervous system depressants.

States with Mandated PDMP Reporting for Gabapentin

Another regulatory approach taken by many states is to require mandatory reporting of all gabapentin prescriptions to a state PDMP, without classifying the drug as a controlled substance. This provides a vital tool for prescribers and pharmacists to track patient prescription histories and identify potential misuse. For these jurisdictions, the emphasis is on monitoring rather than on the stricter dispensing limitations associated with controlled substance schedules. As of recent data, states with mandated PDMP reporting for gabapentin include:

Connecticut
District of Columbia
Indiana
Kansas
Louisiana
Massachusetts
Minnesota
Mississippi
Nebraska
New Jersey
Ohio
Oregon
Utah
Wisconsin
Wyoming

Understanding State-Level Scheduling vs. PDMP Reporting

The difference between a state classifying gabapentin as a Schedule V controlled substance and mandating PDMP reporting is significant for both healthcare providers and patients. The following comparison highlights the key distinctions:


Feature	Schedule V Classification	Mandated PDMP Reporting
Regulatory Action	Reclassifies gabapentin under the state's controlled substances act.	Requires all gabapentin prescriptions to be reported to a state database.
Prescription Rules	Often involves specific regulations on prescription forms, maximum refills, and prescription expiration dates (e.g., 5 refills in 6 months).	Does not necessarily change standard prescription refill or quantity rules, but adds a monitoring layer.
Dispensing Impact	Pharmacists must follow state-specific controlled substance protocols for dispensing and documentation.	Pharmacists and prescribers use the PDMP to check for potential misuse, but dispensing procedures may not change.
Severity of Regulation	More restrictive and places gabapentin in the same regulatory category as other controlled drugs, though at the lowest schedule.	A less restrictive measure focused on surveillance rather than on outright control of the dispensing process.
Primary Goal	Directly regulate and limit access to the drug to prevent abuse and diversion.	Monitor prescribing patterns to detect signs of misuse and inform clinical decisions.

The Reasons Behind the Regulatory Shift

The reclassification of gabapentin at the state level is not without reason. Once considered a safe alternative for chronic pain management, increasing evidence revealed its potential for abuse and dependence, especially when combined with other substances like opioids. Gabapentin can enhance the euphoric effects of opioids, a dangerous practice that increases the risk of respiratory depression, overdose, and death. This combination of factors has spurred state authorities to act in an effort to curb abuse. Researchers have also observed an increase in off-label use for conditions like anxiety and insomnia, which contributed to higher overall prescription rates and a wider availability of the drug, increasing the opportunity for misuse. The potential for withdrawal symptoms upon abrupt cessation of high doses has also raised alarms regarding dependence.

Conclusion

The regulatory landscape for gabapentin is not uniform across the United States. While the federal government maintains that gabapentin is not a controlled substance, a growing number of states have implemented their own regulations in response to rising concerns over misuse and abuse. Several states, including Alabama, Kentucky, and West Virginia, have classified it as a Schedule V controlled substance, while many others mandate its tracking through Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs. This patchwork of state laws means that the rules governing the prescribing and dispensing of gabapentin vary significantly depending on the patient's location. For patients and healthcare professionals, it is crucial to stay informed of the specific regulations in their state to ensure compliance and promote safe medication use.. The shifting policies underscore the ongoing effort to balance the need for effective pain and seizure management with the risks associated with potential substance abuse.

Impact on Patients and Prescribers

For patients, these varied state regulations can directly impact their access to gabapentin. In states where it is a controlled substance, patients may face more frequent doctor's appointments to secure new prescriptions and may have limitations on the quantity dispensed or the number of refills available. This is particularly relevant for those who rely on gabapentin for chronic conditions such as nerve pain, where continuity of care is vital. For prescribers and pharmacists, the regulations mean they must be vigilant in checking state PDMP databases and adhering to stricter controlled substance prescribing protocols where applicable. Education is also a key factor; with greater awareness of the risks, especially when combined with opioids, healthcare professionals can better counsel their patients on safe usage and potential interactions. For further information on state policies and their impact, a 2022 study published in the Journal of the American Pharmacists Association offers an in-depth analysis of gabapentin prescribing and policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, gabapentin is not classified as a controlled substance by the federal government and is not regulated by the DEA. However, some states have implemented their own regulations.

States began reclassifying gabapentin due to growing evidence of its potential for abuse and misuse, particularly among individuals with a history of opioid use disorder. The drug can produce euphoric effects, especially at high doses or when combined with opioids, and there is a risk of dependence.

For the states that have chosen to regulate it, gabapentin is classified as a Schedule V controlled substance. Schedule V drugs have the lowest potential for abuse compared to other controlled substances, but more potential than non-controlled drugs.

Mandated PDMP reporting requires pharmacists and healthcare providers to submit records of all gabapentin prescriptions to a state-run database. This system allows health professionals to track a patient's prescription history and identify signs of potential misuse or diversion, even if the drug is not scheduled.

For patients living in states where gabapentin is a controlled substance, they may face stricter rules, such as limitations on the number of refills and the expiration date of their prescription. This may necessitate more frequent visits to their prescriber.

Yes. When you are traveling or getting a prescription filled in another state, you are subject to that state's laws. A prescription written in a non-controlled state may be subject to controlled substance regulations if you fill it in a state that has classified gabapentin as a Schedule V drug.

Combining gabapentin with opioids can significantly increase the risk of serious side effects, including severe sedation, respiratory depression (slowed breathing), and even death. Many state-level regulations were initiated in part to address this dangerous combination.