THE UK has reclassified neuropathic drugs pregabalin and gabapentin as class C controlled substances, with the move to take effect from Apr 2019.
The move comes two years after a recommendation from the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs and a subsequent public consultation.
Recent figures from NHS Scotland indicated that gapapentinoids had been prescribed in the lead-up to 20% of drug-related deaths in the country in 2016, according to the UK Pharmaceutical Journal.
In addition to the reclassification, prescriptions of pregabalin and gabapenitin will be restricted to a maximum of 30 days' treatment, with no repeats, and any script received must be dispensed within 28 days.
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