Effective Nov. 18: Gabapentin Changed to Schedule V

On May 15, 2019, the Alabama State Committee of Public Health voted to change gabapentin to a Scheduled V medication, effective Nov. 18, 2019. The six-month implementation period was provided to allow time to implement the appropriate changes for a legend medication to move to a scheduled medication.

These changes may include the following: software requirement changes; increase in physical space to store scheduled medications; and changes in procedures for prescribing a controlled substance. Please begin to make the necessary adjustments to meet the implementation date, Nov. 18, 2019.

Schedule V drugs, substances, or chemicals are defined as drugs with lower potential for abuse than Schedule IV and consist of preparations containing limited quantities of certain narcotics. Schedule V drugs are generally used for antidiarrheal, antitussive and analgesic purposes. Some examples of Schedule V drugs are: cough preparations with less than 200 milligrams of codeine or per 100 milliliters (Robitussin AC), Lomotil, Motofen, Lyrica and Parepectolin.

Questions should be directed to Nancy Bishop, State Pharmacy Director, Alabama Department of Public Health.