Gabapentin FYI

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Hi all

Thought I'd share this - just read on social media that Gabapentin (also pregabalin) has been reclassified as a class C controlled substance and

"prescribers can no longer issue electronic prescriptions - they will have to be handwritten"

I know some people are prescribed it for neuropathic pain so it might be an idea to ask for a repeat prescription in plenty of time in case it takes longer.

R

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Hi Ronni

    Heard it on the breakfast news this morning this is the announcement from last October

    announcement

    Ian

  • Hi

    I very rarely post on the forums but I just wanted to say thanks for this information. I have neuropathic pain and have just this morning been taken off my medication because of side effects. Doctor has now prescribed Gabapentin ( the fourth one I’ve tried) and because of what I read here I was able to ask about a letter to take away with me next week on holiday, and to check how my prescription would be managed. My meds are normally sent electronically to the pharmacy and then delivered to me, but with Gabapentin I will have to pick up the prescription and take it myself to the pharmacy. I wouldn’t have known to check if I hadn’t read it here, so thanks once again for the info.

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember in reply to kateandbiz

    Hi

    With apologies to all members of the group for responding to this post.

    I order all my medication online from my GP using patient access and I split my request up into medication that can be sent to the pharmacist electronically but for my controlled medication I request them separately and request that it be put aside once signed for the pharmacy (Tesco) to collect and dispense. I would ask your pharmacy if they offer such a service which would not be possible if you use Pharmacy2u.

    Again, sorry ladies and gents for the intrusion into the breast group.

    Ian

  • Hi

    well, thank you for that post - we love to be helpful - so glad it came in time for you!

    - everyone is welcome here! Thanks for the tip - good to know.

    R

  • Hi there,

    Thanks so much for sharing this update about Gabapentin being reclassified. It’s really useful to know, especially for those of us who rely on it for neuropathic pain management. I completely agree that planning ahead for prescriptions is key—this change could potentially slow down the process, and no one wants to be caught without their medication when they need it.

    I’ve taken Gabapentin myself, and it’s been a huge help in managing nerve pain. It made a noticeable difference in my day-to-day life, reducing the constant discomfort and giving me a better quality of life overall. That said, I can see how the new requirements might be inconvenient, especially if your prescriber isn't nearby or if you rely on electronic systems for convenience.

    One thing I’d add from my own experience is the importance of keeping a little buffer stock, if possible, to avoid last-minute stress when waiting for a new prescription. Therefore, I always order Gabapentin without a prescription in advance at this pharmacy - global-world-delivery.com/categories/Other/Neurontin The order arrives quickly and is always of good quality, and the price is very good, since I order more than necessary.

    Thanks again for sharing! It’s always good to be in the loop about these things.

  • I know this post is a few years old but I just wanted to pass on my experience. I’ve taken gabapentin for 15 yrs for neuropathic foot pain following replacement lumbar disc. I was bothered when it was reclassed as a controlled drug, but I’ve never had a problem with electronic prescriptions. The only difference I noticed is my GP will now only give me 1 month at a time ( my other meds are 2 monthly). At first my pharmacy asked me to sign for it when I collected it, but no longer need to do that.