I share my story to highlight the urgent need for regulatory action on Gabapentin. Like many, I was prescribed Gabapentin off-label to treat depression. What followed was a descent into addiction, marked by auditory and visual hallucinations that strained, and nearly severed, my relationships with friends and loved ones. Even after 3 years of sobriety, I continue to battle with acute nervous system and memory issues.

Gabapentin's off-label use has surged, with prescriptions rising dramatically over the last decade. Originally approved by the FDA for treating seizures and certain types of pain, it's increasingly prescribed for conditions ranging from anxiety to hot flashes. Despite this wide-ranging use, Gabapentin remains unscheduled, meaning it is not classified as a controlled substance and is less regulated than other medications with similar effects.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, Gabapentin misuse is rising with alarming consequences. Reports indicate that nearly 1 in 5 people with opioid use disorder misuse Gabapentin, often to enhance the effects of opioids or other drugs. In some regions, the increase in Gabapentin-related fatalities and admissions to addiction treatment centers is undeniable.

We must address this regulatory gap to prevent further misuse and harm. By making Gabapentin a schedule II controlled substance, we can ensure tighter regulation over its distribution and use, and safeguard those who may be at risk of addiction.

I urge the FDA and DEA to classify Gabapentin as a schedule II controlled substance. This change will help healthcare providers prescribe more cautiously, ensure better patient monitoring, and ultimately protect individuals from the life-altering consequences of misuse and addiction.

Please sign this petition and help drive change that can save lives and restore the futures of those battling addiction.