Rescheduling of Gabapentin and Pregabalin
From 00:00 am on 1 April 2019, gabapentin and pregabalin will be reclassified as Schedule 3 controlled drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001, and Class C of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
The medicines are used for treating neuropathic pain, seizures and anxiety, but illicit use of the drugs has increased in recent years. In June 2018, NHS Scotland figures revealed that gabapentinoids had been prescribed prior to a fifth of drug-related deaths in Scotland in 2016. It is illegal to possess controlled substances without a prescription or to sell or otherwise supply them to others.
Impact of police custody
PACE – Code C
9.10 No police officer may administer or supervise the self-administration of medically prescribed controlled drugs Schedule 2 0r 3. A detainee may only self-administer such drugs (including gabapentin and pregabalin) under the supervision of a healthcare professional.