Law enforcement experiences with gabapentin: non-medical use, diversion, and state controlled substances laws

Background: Non-medical use (NMU) of gabapentin is a growing trend; data indicate that gabapentin diversion is increasing. Yet, scant information is known about the informal marketplace for this medication. Methods: Qualitative data were collected to contextualize reports of gabapentin NMU and diversion and recent state-level controlled substances laws. A sample of prescription drug diversion investigators (n = 46) from 25 states completed an open-ended brief questionnaire about their experiences with gabapentin, including characteristics of users, polysubstance use, street value, and recent laws in seven states which classified gabapentin as a controlled substance. Results: Respondents universally described NMU of gabapentin occurring in conjunction with other drugs, including illicit and prescription opioids (52%) and methamphetamine (33%). The most commonly reported street prices were between $1.00 and $2.00 per tablet with prices reaching $10.00 per tablet in some jurisdictions. Nearly all respondents (89%) supported laws classifying gabapentin as a controlled substance. Motivations for doing so included controlling gabapentin NMU and diversion and placing additional controls on prescribing and dispensing of gabapentin. Conclusions: Gabapentin appears to be a component of polysubstance use, including opioids and methamphetamine. With strong support for state-level action to control NMU and diversion of gabapentin, continued surveillance will provide necessary data to assess these policies.