If you’ve been prescribed gabapentin, or you know someone who has, you’ve probably wondered about its classification and risks. The short answer: gabapentin is not a narcotic. But that doesn’t mean it’s without risk, and Ohio has recognized that by classifying it differently than most states do.
Here’s what you need to know.
Gabapentin (brand names Neurontin, Horizant, Gralise) is an anticonvulsant medication originally developed to treat seizures. It’s now widely prescribed for nerve pain, restless leg syndrome, and as an off-label treatment for anxiety, alcohol withdrawal, and mood stabilization.
It’s one of the most prescribed medications in the United States. Its widespread use has also made it one of the more commonly misused.
No. Gabapentin is neither a narcotic nor an opioid. It does not act on opioid receptors, and it is not derived from or chemically related to opium.
A narcotic, in the clinical sense, refers specifically to opioid drugs: morphine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, fentanyl, heroin. Gabapentin works through an entirely different mechanism, affecting calcium channels in the nervous system rather than opioid receptors.
This is where Ohio is different from most states. While gabapentin is not a federally scheduled controlled substance, Ohio classifies gabapentin as a Schedule V controlled substance under state law.
This classification reflects growing concern about gabapentin misuse patterns observed in Ohio. Schedule V means gabapentin requires a prescription, is monitored through Ohio’s Automated Rx Reporting System (OARRS), and carries legal consequences for unlawful possession or distribution.
If you were prescribed gabapentin by a licensed provider and are taking it as directed, this classification doesn’t affect your day-to-day use. It does mean that obtaining gabapentin without a prescription or outside your prescribed amount is a legal issue in Ohio.
Yes. Gabapentin can produce physical dependence, particularly with long-term or high-dose use. Physical dependence means your body adapts to the presence of the substance, and stopping abruptly can trigger withdrawal symptoms.
Gabapentin withdrawal can include anxiety, insomnia, nausea, sweating, and in some cases seizures, especially in people with a history of seizure disorders. This is why stopping gabapentin should always be done gradually and under medical supervision, not suddenly on your own.
This is important: physical dependence is not the same as addiction. Many people become physically dependent on gabapentin while taking it exactly as prescribed, with no misuse involved.
Gabapentin misuse typically involves taking more than prescribed, taking someone else’s prescription, or combining it with other substances to enhance their effects. Opioids and alcohol are the most common combinations, and both significantly increase the risk of overdose, respiratory depression, and death.
Ohio’s opioid crisis has drawn particular attention to gabapentin because it’s often found alongside opioids in overdose cases. People in active opioid use sometimes use gabapentin to intensify the effect of opioids or to manage opioid withdrawal symptoms between doses.
If you or someone you care about is taking gabapentin, these signs may indicate a problem worth addressing:
Noticing these patterns doesn’t mean you’re addicted or that something is permanently wrong. It means something deserves attention, and there’s support available.
If you’ve been taking gabapentin for a long time and want to stop, the safest approach is to work with a medical provider to taper your dose gradually. This reduces the risk of withdrawal symptoms and makes the process more manageable.
If gabapentin misuse is part of a larger pattern involving other substances, or if you’re also managing anxiety, depression, or trauma, a structured outpatient program may be a better fit than tapering alone. Outpatient treatment that addresses both the substance use and the underlying reasons for it tends to produce more sustainable outcomes than detox or tapering by itself.
At Scioto Wellness Center in Columbus, Ohio, we work with people navigating prescription drug dependence and co-occurring mental health conditions. You don’t need to have “hit rock bottom” or be in crisis to reach out. If something about your relationship with gabapentin feels off, that’s enough reason to talk to someone.
Gabapentin can produce physical dependence, but clinical addiction (characterized by compulsive use despite consequences) is less common than with opioids. That said, some people do develop addictive use patterns, particularly those with a history of substance use disorders. If you’re concerned, talking with a provider is the right first step.
Gabapentin alone is rarely fatal in overdose, but it becomes significantly more dangerous in combination with other central nervous system depressants, especially opioids, benzodiazepines, or alcohol. If someone has taken a large amount of gabapentin combined with other substances, call 911.
Standard drug panels do not typically test for gabapentin. However, some employers, treatment programs, and probation/parole officers use extended panels that do include it. If this is a concern for you, ask specifically about gabapentin when reviewing testing requirements.
Yes. Gabapentin is used in some addiction treatment settings, particularly for alcohol withdrawal management and as part of opioid use disorder care. Its use in treatment is different from misuse: it’s prescribed at specific doses for a specific clinical purpose, under medical supervision.
Scioto Wellness Center offers outpatient treatment for prescription drug dependence, including situations where gabapentin is part of the picture. We also treat co-occurring mental health conditions that often underlie prescription drug misuse.
Call (888) 351-9849 or contact us online to talk with our team.
Understanding what gabapentin is and what it isn’t is the first step. If you’re concerned about your use or a loved one’s, Scioto Wellness Center is here to talk through what support might look like.
Call (888) 351-9849 for a free, confidential conversation. There’s no pressure and no judgment: just honest information about your options.